US Bridges

Earhart RD over Hightower CR

Fair

Vernon County, Missouri · S 18 T 37 N R 30 W · Structure no. 17183

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
87 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Earhart RD over Hightower CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Earhart RD over Hightower CR in Vernon County, Missouri. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 33 by 2044. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEarhart RD
CrossesHightower CR
LocationS 18 T 37 N R 30 W
RouteCounty Highway 145
CountyVernon County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.97948, -94.28067
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2024)
Projected traffic33 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Earhart RD over Hightower CR built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Earhart RD over Hightower CR 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 Earhart RD over Hightower CR carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Earhart RD over Hightower CR?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Earhart RD over Hightower CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.