US 53 over Paleface River
PoorSt. Louis County, Minnesota · 14.3 MI S of JCT TH 37 · Structure no. 69019
- Built
- 1964
- 61 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected June 2024
- Type
- Slab
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 75 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 3,845
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 53 over Paleface River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 53 over Paleface 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 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.
It carries about 3,845 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,150 by 2042. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 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 | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 3 Serious | Loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 53 over Paleface River built?
It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.
What condition is US 53 over Paleface 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 June 2024.
How much traffic does US 53 over Paleface River carry?
About 3,845 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.
How long is US 53 over Paleface River?
The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.
Who owns US 53 over Paleface River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.