US Bridges

US 53 over Whiteface River

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 16.5 MI S of JCT TH 37 · Structure no. 69018

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete Continuous
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,845
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 53 over Whiteface River is a concrete continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 53 over Whiteface River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 3,845 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,150 by 2042. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 53
CrossesWhiteface River
Location16.5 MI S of JCT TH 37
RouteU.S. Route 53
CountySt. Louis County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.18043, -92.47981
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,845 (2022)
Projected traffic4,150 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$480 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over Whiteface River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over Whiteface 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 53 over Whiteface River carry?

About 3,845 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over Whiteface River?

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 53 over Whiteface River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.