US Bridges

Tower Grove Ave over BNSF RR

FairPosted for load

St. Louis city, Missouri · S 20 T 45 N R 7 E · Structure no. 12819

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,235
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tower Grove Ave over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Tower Grove Ave over BNSF RR in St. Louis city, Missouri. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 9,235 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,467 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesTower Grove Ave
CrossesBNSF RR
LocationS 20 T 45 N R 7 E
RouteCity Street 0
CountySt. Louis city
StateMissouri
Coordinates38.62178, -90.2557
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating109.1 US tons
Inventory rating65.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,235 (2023)
Projected traffic12,467 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Tower Grove Ave over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tower Grove Ave over BNSF 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Tower Grove Ave over BNSF RR carry?

About 9,235 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Tower Grove Ave over BNSF RR?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns Tower Grove Ave over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.