Scour Critical Bridges in Missouri
312 bridges in Missouri at risk from water erosion around foundations.
Scour Critical Bridges
Scour is the erosion of soil and rock around a bridge's foundation caused by moving water. When foundations are exposed or undermined, a bridge can collapse even if its deck and superstructure are in good condition. Scour is the leading cause of bridge failures in the US. These 312 bridges in Missouri have been identified as vulnerable to scour damage.
| Bridge | State | Scour Status | Condition | Year Built | ADT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOMBSTONE CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1929 | 5 |
| MID BR OF SQUAW CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1930 | 5 |
| MUDDY CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1910 | 5 |
| BR LIT MEDICINE CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1940 | 5 |
| BRUSH CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1900 | 5 |
| LITTLE CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1984 | 5 |
| OWL CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1910 | 5 |
| BR MEDICINE CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1950 | 5 |
| THOMPSON RVR TRIB | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1986 | 5 |
| TRIB OF BIG CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1930 | 5 |
| BR OF SUGAR CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 1935 | 5 |
| E HONEY CR | Missouri | Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed | Poor | 2003 | 5 |
Scour Critical Rating Codes
| Code 2 — Unaddressed | Bridge is scour critical with no countermeasures installed. The foundation is vulnerable and no protective action has been taken. |
| Code 3 — Countermeasures Installed | Protective measures (riprap, sheet piling, etc.) have been installed to reduce scour risk, but the bridge remains classified as scour critical. |
| Code 6 — Countermeasures Ineffective | Protective measures were installed but have been assessed as ineffective. The bridge requires re-evaluation and additional action. |
About Scour Critical Bridges
Scour critical bridges have been identified through underwater inspection or analysis as having foundations that are unstable or could become unstable during flood conditions. FHWA requires action plans for all scour critical bridges. Famous scour failures include the 1987 Schoharie Creek Bridge collapse in New York.