US Bridges

Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br

Poor

Newton County, Missouri · S 2 T 26 N R 33 W · Structure no. 12670

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
73 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,000
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br is a steel truss - thru carrying Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br in Newton County, Missouri. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 75 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,650 by 2044. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDutch Elm DR
CrossesBeef Br
LocationS 2 T 26 N R 33 W
RouteCounty Highway 71
CountyNewton County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.00358, -94.5045
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating33.7 US tons
Inventory rating15.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2024)
Projected traffic4,650 by 2044
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$941,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br 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 Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Dutch Elm DR over Beef Br?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.