US Bridges

NC87 over Terrell Creek

Fair

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. N. Jct. SR1546 · Structure no. 000000000370012

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,700
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC87 over Terrell Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NC87 over Terrell Creek in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC87
CrossesTerrell Creek
Location0.6 Mi. N. Jct. SR1546
RouteState Highway 87
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.82202, -79.25575
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2018)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC87 over Terrell Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC87 over Terrell Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does NC87 over Terrell Creek carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC87 over Terrell Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m).

Who owns NC87 over Terrell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.