US Bridges

NC54 over Northeast Creek

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. W. JCT.NC55 · Structure no. 000000000630051

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
20,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC54 over Northeast Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC54 over Northeast Creek in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 20,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,000 by 2040. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC54
CrossesNortheast Creek
Location0.3 Mi. W. JCT.NC55
RouteState Highway 54
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.90268, -78.90078
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.
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 spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,000 (2021)
Projected traffic40,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
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 NC54 over Northeast Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC54 over Northeast 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 NC54 over Northeast Creek carry?

About 20,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC54 over Northeast Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC54 over Northeast Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.