US Bridges

Cave RD over BNSF RR

PoorPosted for load

Pulaski County, Missouri · S 32 T 38 N R 11 W · Structure no. 15241

Built
1902
123 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cave RD over BNSF RR is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Cave RD over BNSF RR in Pulaski County, Missouri. It was built in 1902, so it is 123 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 195 by 2044. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCave RD
CrossesBNSF RR
LocationS 32 T 38 N R 11 W
RouteCounty Highway 89
CountyPulaski County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.98312, -92.14948
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2024)
Projected traffic195 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$854,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Cave RD over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1902, making it 123 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cave RD over BNSF RR 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 2024.

How much traffic does Cave RD over BNSF RR carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cave RD over BNSF RR?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Cave RD over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.