US Bridges

US501BUS. over Ellerbee Creek

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 50 N. Jct. I-85 · Structure no. 000000000630029

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
18,000
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US501BUS. over Ellerbee Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US501BUS. over Ellerbee Creek in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,000 by 2040. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS501BUS.
CrossesEllerbee Creek
Location50 N. Jct. I-85
RouteU.S. Route 501
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.01547, -78.89023
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (2019)
Projected traffic36,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 US501BUS. over Ellerbee Creek built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is US501BUS. over Ellerbee 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US501BUS. over Ellerbee Creek carry?

About 18,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US501BUS. over Ellerbee Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns US501BUS. over Ellerbee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.