US Bridges

I85 over Ellerbe Creek

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.20 MI N. Jct. SR1401 · Structure no. 000000000630430

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
38,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 over Ellerbe Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I85 over Ellerbe Creek in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 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 38,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 77,000 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85
CrossesEllerbe Creek
Location0.20 MI N. Jct. SR1401
RouteInterstate 85
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.02448, -78.95049
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,500 (2020)
Projected traffic77,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I85 over Ellerbe Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85 over Ellerbe Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I85 over Ellerbe Creek carry?

About 38,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I85 over Ellerbe Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I85 over Ellerbe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.