US Bridges

US 53 over 6th Ave W

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 1.3 MI SE of JCT TH 169 · Structure no. 69009

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,700
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 53 over 6th Ave W is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 53 over 6th Ave W in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 8,700 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,700 by 2039. The structure is 126 ft (38.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 53
Crosses6th Ave W
Location1.3 MI SE of JCT TH 169
RouteU.S. Route 53
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.50985, -92.54126
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating46.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length126 ft (38.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,700 (2013)
Projected traffic8,700 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$633 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over 6th Ave W built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over 6th Ave W 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 6th Ave W carry?

About 8,700 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over 6th Ave W?

The structure is 126 ft (38.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 53 over 6th Ave W?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.