US Bridges

I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR

Good

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. N. of Jct. SR1670 · Structure no. 000000000630185

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
232 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80,000
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 80,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 160,000 by 2040. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long and 177 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85 US15
CrossesNorfolk & Western RR
Location0.7 Mi. N. of Jct. SR1670
RouteInterstate 85
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.01328, -78.87537
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating61.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span121 ft (36.8 m)
Deck width177 ft (54.1 m)
Roadway width173 ft (52.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80,000 (2019)
Projected traffic160,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR carry?

About 80,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (36.8 m) and a deck 177 ft wide.

Who owns I85 US15 over Norfolk & Western RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.