US Bridges

Ebony ST over Brush CR

PoorPosted for load

Mercer County, Missouri · S 18 T 65 N R 25 W · Structure no. 18478

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ebony ST over Brush CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ebony ST over Brush CR in Mercer County, Missouri. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1950, so it is 125 years old, older than the Missouri average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6 by 2044. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesEbony ST
CrossesBrush CR
LocationS 18 T 65 N R 25 W
RouteCounty Highway 187
Coordinates40.42375, -93.76133
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2024)
Projected traffic6 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$527,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ebony ST over Brush CR built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

What condition is Ebony ST over Brush CR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Ebony ST over Brush CR carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ebony ST over Brush CR?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Ebony ST over Brush CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.