US Bridges

US 53 over Rice River

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 6.0 MI S of Cook · Structure no. 69040

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,846
2020 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 1992, so it is 33 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 1,846 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 53
CrossesRice River
Location6.0 MI S of Cook
RouteU.S. Route 53
Coordinates47.77123, -92.65492
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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,846 (2020)
Projected traffic1,900 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over Rice River built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 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 1,846 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over Rice River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 53 over Rice River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.