US Bridges

US15 US501N over Sandy Creek

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi.S. of JCT.SR1308 · Structure no. 000000000630073

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
51,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15 US501N over Sandy Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US15 US501N over Sandy Creek in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 69 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 51,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 102,000 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15 US501N
CrossesSandy Creek
Location0.2 Mi.S. of JCT.SR1308
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.98122, -78.9579
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 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 rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.7 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 traffic51,000 (2020)
Projected traffic102,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 US15 US501N over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is US15 US501N 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US15 US501N over Sandy Creek carry?

About 51,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US15 US501N over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US15 US501N over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.