US Bridges

US 53 over Hellwig Creek

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 2.9 MI N of JCT TH 33 · Structure no. 91079

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,150
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 53 over Hellwig Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 53 over Hellwig Creek in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older 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 5,150 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,500 by 2039. The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

CarriesUS 53
CrossesHellwig Creek
Location2.9 MI N of JCT TH 33
RouteU.S. Route 53
Coordinates46.99527, -92.47134
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,150 (2019)
Projected traffic5,500 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$111 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 53 over Hellwig Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over Hellwig Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 53 over Hellwig Creek carry?

About 5,150 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over Hellwig Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 53 over Hellwig Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.