US Bridges

NC147NBL over Southern Railroad

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 1.2 MI.S.JCT.NC55 · Structure no. 000000000630189

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
366 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
36,750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC147NBL over Southern Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC147NBL over Southern Railroad 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 36,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 73,500 by 2040. The structure is 366 ft (111.5 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC147NBL
CrossesSouthern Railroad
Location1.2 MI.S.JCT.NC55
RouteState Highway 147
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.97276, -78.87047
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 rating66.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length366 ft (111.5 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.3 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,750 (2021)
Projected traffic73,500 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 NC147NBL over Southern Railroad built?

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

What condition is NC147NBL over Southern Railroad 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 NC147NBL over Southern Railroad carry?

About 36,750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC147NBL over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 366 ft (111.5 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.3 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns NC147NBL over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.