US Bridges

168th ST over Branch

PoorPosted for load

Putnam County, Missouri · S 26 T 66 N R 22 W · Structure no. 13691

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

168th ST over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 168th ST over Branch in Putnam 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 11 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Carries168th ST
CrossesBranch
LocationS 26 T 66 N R 22 W
RouteCounty Highway 45
Coordinates40.48993, -93.34245
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating7.9 US tons
Inventory rating3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2024)
Projected traffic11 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$255,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 168th ST over Branch built?

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

What condition is 168th ST over Branch 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 168th ST over Branch carry?

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

How long is 168th ST over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 168th ST over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.