US Bridges

M over Lit Black Rvr

Fair

Ripley County, Missouri · S 29 T 24 N R 4 E · Structure no. 13970

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

M over Lit Black Rvr is a steel culvert carrying M over Lit Black Rvr in Ripley County, Missouri. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM
CrossesLit Black Rvr
LocationS 29 T 24 N R 4 E
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyRipley County
StateMissouri
Coordinates36.7024, -90.6482
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating54.6 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans8
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2023)
Projected traffic12 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M over Lit Black Rvr built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is M over Lit Black Rvr 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does M over Lit Black Rvr carry?

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

How long is M over Lit Black Rvr?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns M over Lit Black Rvr?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.