US Bridges

Ush 53 over Otter Creek

Poor

Eau Claire County, Wisconsin · 2.4M N JCT Cth V · Structure no. B18007100000000

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ush 53 over Otter Creek is a steel culvert carrying Ush 53 over Otter Creek in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,440 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

CarriesUsh 53
CrossesOtter Creek
Location2.4M N JCT Cth V
RouteU.S. Route 53
Coordinates44.6899, -91.34094
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2024)
Projected traffic1,440 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$293,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ush 53 over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ush 53 over Otter Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Ush 53 over Otter Creek carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Ush 53 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Ush 53 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.