US Bridges

US 53 over Rice River

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 3.5 MI S of Cook · Structure no. 69039

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
92 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 53 over Rice River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 53 over Rice River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2039. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 53
CrossesRice River
Location3.5 MI S of Cook
RouteU.S. Route 53
Coordinates47.80924, -92.67445
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.8 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2019)
Projected traffic1,900 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over Rice River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over Rice River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US 53 over Rice River carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over Rice River?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.8 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 53 over Rice River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.