US Bridges

US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Lee County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. S. Jct. US1 · Structure no. 000000001050003

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR is a concrete tee beam carrying US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR in Lee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 84 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15/501 NC87
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location0.1 Mi. S. Jct. US1
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyLee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55011, -79.19121
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length115 ft (35 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2021)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR 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 US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US15/501 NC87 over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.