US Bridges

CR 53 over Highwater Creek

Good

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 1.1 MI E of JCT Csah 6 · Structure no. 8547

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
127
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 53 over Highwater Creek is a concrete culvert carrying CR 53 over Highwater Creek in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 127 vehicles a day, projected to reach 135 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesCR 53
CrossesHighwater Creek
Location1.1 MI E of JCT Csah 6
RouteCounty Highway 53
Coordinates44.05051, -95.35954
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic127 (2021)
Projected traffic135 by 2041
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 CR 53 over Highwater Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 53 over Highwater Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does CR 53 over Highwater Creek carry?

About 127 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is CR 53 over Highwater Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns CR 53 over Highwater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.