US Bridges

US 53 over ST Louis River

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 2.2 MI S of JCT TH 37 · Structure no. 6602

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
182 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,727
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 53 over ST Louis River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 53 over ST Louis River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 5 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 4,727 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,700 by 2042. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 53
CrossesST Louis River
Location2.2 MI S of JCT TH 37
RouteU.S. Route 53
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.36726, -92.50536
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,727 (2022)
Projected traffic4,700 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$537 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over ST Louis River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over ST Louis 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 53 over ST Louis River carry?

About 4,727 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over ST Louis River?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 53 over ST Louis River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.