US Bridges

US 53 over Ash River

Good

St. Louis County, Minnesota · 4.2 MI N of Ash Lake · Structure no. 95293

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,850
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 53 over Ash River is a concrete culvert carrying US 53 over Ash River in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 1,850 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,750 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.2 mi (121 km).

CarriesUS 53
CrossesAsh River
Location4.2 MI N of Ash Lake
RouteU.S. Route 53
Coordinates48.27356, -92.95042
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic1,850 (2019)
Projected traffic1,750 by 2039
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.2 mi (121 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 Ash River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 53 over Ash 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 53 over Ash River carry?

About 1,850 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 53 over Ash River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 53 over Ash River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.