US Bridges

US15/US501 over NC54

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.19 Mi. N. Jct. SR1008 · Structure no. 000000001350005

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
186 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
33,000
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15/US501 over NC54 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US15/US501 over NC54 in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 68 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 33,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,000 by 2040. The structure is 186 ft (56.6 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15/US501
CrossesNC54
Location0.19 Mi. N. Jct. SR1008
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.89347, -79.05744
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionDecember 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length186 ft (56.6 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.1 m)
Roadway width69 ft (20.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,000 (2019)
Projected traffic66,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 NC54 built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is US15/US501 over NC54 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US15/US501 over NC54 carry?

About 33,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US15/US501 over NC54?

The structure is 186 ft (56.6 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns US15/US501 over NC54?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.