US Bridges

US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo Creek

Fair

Lee County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. N. Jct. NC42 · Structure no. 000000001050020

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo Creek in Lee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 70 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 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 23,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,000 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS1 US15 US501
CrossesBig Buffalo Creek
Location0.7 Mi. N. Jct. NC42
RouteU.S. Route 1
Coordinates35.47881, -79.19949
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
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating84 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,000 (2020)
Projected traffic46,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo Creek carry?

About 23,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US1 US15 US501 over Big Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.