CSAH-100 Bridge
CSAH-100 St. Louis River Highway Crossing
Aurora, MN

CSAH-100 Bridge

• Structure ID: NBI: 7183
• Location: River Mile 160.1
• River Elevation: 1,371 Feet
• Highways: CSAH-100
• Daily Traffic Count: 1,500 (2003)
• Bridge Type: Continuous Concrete Beam, Concrete Deck
• Bridge Length: 168 Feet, 63 Foot Longest Span
• Bridge Width: 28 Feet, 2 Lanes
• Navigation Channel Width: Non-Navigable
• Height Above Water: 16 Feet
• Date Built: 1958
CSAH-100 is a connector road that provides access from the far eastern part of the Iron Range to the highway system heading towards Duluth.

The northern end of CSAH-100 terminates in the small city of Aurora. Aurora was founded around 1900 as part of the iron rush when the Mesabi Iron Range area was developed. The iron has since been played out or is now too expensive to compete on the world market. As a result, unemployment has hit the area hard. A government organization called the IRRRB is attempting to attract industry to the iron range by developing new businesses. One such business that recently began operation in Aurora is a Blue Cross Blue Shield call center.

The CSAH-100 bridge is located about 2 miles south of Aurora. The bridge features several very graceful precast concrete girders with arch shapes cast into the large beams. The appears to have seen very little attention since it was built in 1958. The concrete on the guardrails is crumbling, and the deck is pock-marked. The columns supporting the bridge also show signs of deterioration. While the bridge remains structurally sound, it appears that it could use a major overhaul, with sleeves added to the piers, a new deck installed, and the guardrails rebuilt to modern standards.

One of northern Minnesota's favorite sons, Jeno Paulucci, was born in Aurora. Paulucci is famous for food brands such as Jeno's Pizza, Chun King, and Michelinas. Paulucci’s most famous product is the Pizza Roll.


CSAH-100 Bridge
CSAH-100 Bridge
CSAH-100 Bridge

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Photo and text by John A. Weeks III, Copyright © 2008, all rights reserved.
For further information, contact: john@johnweeks.com