US Bridges

Saffell RD over Terre Blue

Fair

St. Francois County, Missouri · S 2114 T 37 N R 5 E · Structure no. 13394

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
87 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Saffell RD over Terre Blue is a concrete slab carrying Saffell RD over Terre Blue in St. Francois County, Missouri. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 85 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 35 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 53 by 2043. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSaffell RD
CrossesTerre Blue
LocationS 2114 T 37 N R 5 E
RouteCounty Highway 37
CountySt. Francois County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.94728, -90.49913
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2023)
Projected traffic53 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Saffell RD over Terre Blue built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Saffell RD over Terre Blue 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Saffell RD over Terre Blue carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Saffell RD over Terre Blue?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Saffell RD over Terre Blue?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.