US Bridges

I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake

Poor

Durham County, North Carolina · 4.0 MI S JCT NC56 · Structure no. 000000000630227

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
463 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
21,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 21,250 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,500 by 2040. The structure is 463 ft (141.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesI85S US15S
CrossesNeuse River/Falls Lake
Location4.0 MI S JCT NC56
RouteInterstate 85
Coordinates36.06983, -78.77943
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length463 ft (141.1 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,250 (2020)
Projected traffic42,500 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake carry?

About 21,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake?

The structure is 463 ft (141.1 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I85S US15S over Neuse River/Falls Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.