US Bridges

NC147S over Southern RR

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 1.24 MI.S.JCT.NC55 · Structure no. 000000000630188

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
318 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC147S over Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC147S over Southern RR in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 28,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,000 by 2040. The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC147S
CrossesSouthern RR
Location1.24 MI.S.JCT.NC55
RouteState Highway 147
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.97232, -78.87035
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93.9 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length318 ft (96.9 m)
Longest span115 ft (35 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,000 (2020)
Projected traffic56,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC147S over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC147S over Southern RR 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does NC147S over Southern RR carry?

About 28,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC147S over Southern RR?

The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns NC147S over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.