US Bridges

US 53 over Moose Creek

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 2.0 MI N of Orr · Structure no. 6138

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 53 over Moose Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 53 over Moose Creek in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,100 by 2039. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.2 mi (121 km).

CarriesUS 53
CrossesMoose Creek
Location2.0 MI N of Orr
RouteU.S. Route 53
Coordinates48.07848, -92.82257
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 loadH 15
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 traffic2,200 (2019)
Projected traffic2,100 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.2 mi (121 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$145 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over Moose Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over Moose Creek 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 Moose Creek carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over Moose Creek?

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

Who owns US 53 over Moose Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.