US Bridges

NC55 over Third Fork Creek

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI E JCT SR1945 · Structure no. 000000000630007

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC55 over Third Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC55 over Third Fork Creek in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 22,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,000 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC55
CrossesThird Fork Creek
Location0.3 MI E JCT SR1945
RouteState Highway 55
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.96698, -78.89541
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length33 ft (10 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 traffic22,500 (2019)
Projected traffic45,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC55 over Third Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC55 over Third Fork 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC55 over Third Fork Creek carry?

About 22,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC55 over Third Fork Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC55 over Third Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.