US Bridges

US15 US501 over I40

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · @ JCT.US15/501 & I40 · Structure no. 000000000630301

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
201 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15 US501 over I40 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US15 US501 over I40 in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 5 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 20,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,000 by 2040. The structure is 201 ft (61.2 m) long and 121 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15 US501
CrossesI40
Location@ JCT.US15/501 & I40
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.95078, -78.99897
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating73 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length201 ft (61.2 m)
Longest span102 ft (31 m)
Deck width121 ft (36.8 m)
Roadway width118 ft (35.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,500 (2021)
Projected traffic41,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US15 US501 over I40 built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US15 US501 over I40 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 US15 US501 over I40 carry?

About 20,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US15 US501 over I40?

The structure is 201 ft (61.2 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31 m) and a deck 121 ft wide.

Who owns US15 US501 over I40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.