US Bridges

Couch Ave over UP RR

FairPosted for load

St. Louis County, Missouri · S 2 T 44 N R 5 E · Structure no. 19636

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
117 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,845
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Couch Ave over UP RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Couch Ave over UP RR in St. Louis County, Missouri. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 6 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 2,845 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,841 by 2043. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCouch Ave
CrossesUP RR
LocationS 2 T 44 N R 5 E
RouteCity Street 0
CountySt. Louis County
StateMissouri
Coordinates38.57944, -90.42492
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating47.6 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,845 (2023)
Projected traffic3,841 by 2043
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$966,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Couch Ave over UP RR built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Couch Ave over UP RR 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Couch Ave over UP RR carry?

About 2,845 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Couch Ave over UP RR?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Couch Ave over UP RR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.