US Bridges

US15/501N over Pokeberry Creek

Good

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.9 Mi. N. Jct. SR1525 · Structure no. 000000000370489

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
141 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15/501N over Pokeberry Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US15/501N over Pokeberry Creek in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,000 by 2040. The structure is 141 ft (42.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS15/501N
CrossesPokeberry Creek
Location0.9 Mi. N. Jct. SR1525
RouteU.S. Route 15
Coordinates35.78992, -79.10869
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length141 ft (42.9 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2022)
Projected traffic17,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US15/501N over Pokeberry Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is US15/501N over Pokeberry 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US15/501N over Pokeberry Creek carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US15/501N over Pokeberry Creek?

The structure is 141 ft (42.9 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US15/501N over Pokeberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.