US 53 over Rainy River
PoorClosed to trafficKoochiching County, Minnesota · 0.3 MI N of JCT TH 11 · Structure no. 90249
- Built
- 1912
- 113 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected September 2022
- Type
- Truss - Thru
- Steel
- Length
- 941 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 703
- 2022 count
- Owner
- Private
- Private (other than railroad)
About this bridge
US 53 over Rainy River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 53 over Rainy River in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It was built in 1912, so it is 113 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.
It carries about 703 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,750 by 2042. The structure is 941 ft (286.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 53 over Rainy River built?
It was built in 1912, making it 113 years old in 2025.
What condition is US 53 over Rainy River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2022.
How much traffic does US 53 over Rainy River carry?
About 703 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.
How long is US 53 over Rainy River?
The structure is 941 ft (286.8 m) long with a longest span of 184 ft (56.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.
Who owns US 53 over Rainy River?
It is owned by the Private (other than railroad).