US Bridges

Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR

Fair

St. Louis County, Missouri · S 32 T 44 N R 4 E · Structure no. 6380

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,307 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
74,368
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR in St. Louis County, Missouri. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 71 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 6 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 74,368 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 92,960 by 2044. The structure is 1,307 ft (398.4 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIs 44 E
CrossesMeramec Rvr Backwood DR
LocationS 32 T 44 N R 4 E
RouteInterstate 44
CountySt. Louis County
StateMissouri
Coordinates38.50408, -90.59194
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,307 ft (398.4 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic74,368 (2024)
Projected traffic92,960 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR 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 2023.

How much traffic does Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR carry?

About 74,368 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR?

The structure is 1,307 ft (398.4 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns Is 44 E over Meramec Rvr Backwood DR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.