US Bridges

US 53 over Rainy River

Fair

Koochiching County, Minnesota · 0.3 MI N of JCT TH 11 · Structure no. 36002

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
949 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
1,251
2019 count
Owner
Private
Private (other than railroad)

About this bridge

US 53 over Rainy River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 53 over Rainy River in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 1,251 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,250 by 2039. The structure is 949 ft (289.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 53
CrossesRainy River
Location0.3 MI N of JCT TH 11
RouteU.S. Route 53
Coordinates48.60714, -93.40191
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length949 ft (289.2 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,251 (2019)
Projected traffic4,250 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerPrivate (other than railroad)
Maintained byPrivate (other than railroad)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over Rainy River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over Rainy 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 53 over Rainy River carry?

About 1,251 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over Rainy River?

The structure is 949 ft (289.2 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 53 over Rainy River?

It is owned by the Private (other than railroad).