US Bridges

Elm Trail over Branch

FairPosted for load

Putnam County, Missouri · S 10 T 65 N R 17 W · Structure no. 20948

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elm Trail over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elm Trail over Branch in Putnam County, Missouri. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the Missouri average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. 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 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElm Trail
CrossesBranch
LocationS 10 T 65 N R 17 W
RouteCounty Highway 282
CountyPutnam County
StateMissouri
Coordinates40.44397, -92.79643
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating6.9 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 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 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$239,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elm Trail over Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elm Trail over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Elm Trail over Branch carry?

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

How long is Elm Trail over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Elm Trail over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.