Category:700 STRUCTURES AND HYDRAULICS

A bridge is a structure spanning a minmimum of 20 feet grade separation or crossing water. There are about 10,000 bridges in Missouri's state highway system. Bridges are described as simple or continuous and according to structure type and material.

Once the need concerning a bridge structure is identified in a project then a core team is established, the scope of the project is developed, a bridge survey is submitted and preliminary design begins. The bridge need could involve rehabilitating or widening an existing structure or building a new structure or retaining wall. There is no perfect bridge type for all situations. With practical design, engineers are expected and encouraged to consider and evaluate all potential solutions and project factors that ultimately impact the cost of the structure. However, any variations to the information shown at this site should be discussed in advance with the appropriate Structural Liaison Engineer or Structural Project Manager.