US Bridges

Sparks RD over Blythes CR

Poor

Miller County, Missouri · S 16 T 42 N R 15 W · Structure no. 13917

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sparks RD over Blythes CR is a concrete slab carrying Sparks RD over Blythes CR in Miller County, Missouri. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 4 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.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 77 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSparks RD
CrossesBlythes CR
LocationS 16 T 42 N R 15 W
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyMiller County
StateMissouri
Coordinates38.37019, -92.55075
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating10.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2023)
Projected traffic77 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$311,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sparks RD over Blythes CR built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sparks RD over Blythes 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Sparks RD over Blythes CR carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Sparks RD over Blythes CR?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Sparks RD over Blythes CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.