US Bridges

US 53 over ST Louis River

Fair

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 2.2 MI S of JCT TH 37 · Structure no. 69020

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
178 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 continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 53 over ST Louis River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 4,727 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,700 by 2042. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 35 ft wide.

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
Coordinates47.36718, -92.50567
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length178 ft (54.3 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 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 closed—
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$519 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over ST Louis River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 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 April 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 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 53 over ST Louis River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.