US Bridges

Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR

FairPosted for load

McDonald County, Missouri · S 21 T 21 N R 34 W · Structure no. 21564

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR is a concrete arch - deck carrying Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR in McDonald County, Missouri. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 years old, older than the Missouri average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2044. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesBlecha RD
CrossesCave Springs CR
LocationS 21 T 21 N R 34 W
RouteCounty Highway 311
CountyMcDonald County
StateMissouri
Coordinates36.54736, -94.61795
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.7 US tons
Inventory rating20.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2024)
Projected traffic750 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Blecha RD over Cave Springs CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.