US Bridges

NC147S over US15 US501

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. S. Jct. US70 Bus. · Structure no. 000000000630328

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
316 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
23,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC147S over US15 US501 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC147S over US15 US501 in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 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 23,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,000 by 2040. The structure is 316 ft (96.3 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC147S
CrossesUS15 US501
Location0.4 Mi. S. Jct. US70 Bus.
RouteState Highway 147
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.01656, -78.95097
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length316 ft (96.3 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,000 (2022)
Projected traffic46,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 NC147S over US15 US501 built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC147S over US15 US501 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does NC147S over US15 US501 carry?

About 23,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC147S over US15 US501?

The structure is 316 ft (96.3 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns NC147S over US15 US501?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.