US Bridges

NC54 over Burdens Creek

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.4MI E.Jct SR1975 · Structure no. 000000000630103

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC54 over Burdens Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC54 over Burdens Creek in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 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 12,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,000 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesNC54
CrossesBurdens Creek
Location0.4MI E.Jct SR1975
RouteState Highway 54
Coordinates35.8935, -78.86759
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 inspectionMarch 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,500 (2021)
Projected traffic25,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Burdens Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC54 over Burdens 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NC54 over Burdens Creek carry?

About 12,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC54 over Burdens Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NC54 over Burdens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.