US Bridges

US15/501 S over NC147

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · .1MI.N. JCT US15/501(BUS) · Structure no. 000000000630071

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
193 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15/501 S over NC147 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US15/501 S over NC147 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 9,900 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,800 by 2040. The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15/501 S
CrossesNC147
Location.1MI.N. JCT US15/501(BUS)
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.99014, -78.90308
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 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
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length193 ft (58.8 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.5 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,900 (2021)
Projected traffic19,800 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US15/501 S over NC147 built?

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

What condition is US15/501 S over NC147 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 US15/501 S over NC147 carry?

About 9,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US15/501 S over NC147?

The structure is 193 ft (58.8 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns US15/501 S over NC147?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.