US Bridges

Csah 53 over Prairie River

Fair

Itasca County, Minnesota · 3.8 MI W of JCT TH 65 · Structure no. 88185

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 53 over Prairie River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Csah 53 over Prairie River in Itasca County, Minnesota. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 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.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2039. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCsah 53
CrossesPrairie River
Location3.8 MI W of JCT TH 65
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyItasca County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.56113, -93.2626
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2009)
Projected traffic40 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$895 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 53 over Prairie River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 53 over Prairie River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Csah 53 over Prairie River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Csah 53 over Prairie River?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 53 over Prairie River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.