US Bridges

US15 US501 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1116 · Structure no. 000000000630047

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
26,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15 US501 over Sandy Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US15 US501 over Sandy Creek in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 26,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 52,000 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15 US501
CrossesSandy Creek
Location0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1116
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.96533, -78.96961
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionOctober 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 rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length42 ft (12.8 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 traffic26,000 (2021)
Projected traffic52,000 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

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 US501 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US15 US501 over Sandy 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US15 US501 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 26,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US15 US501 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US15 US501 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.