US Bridges

US15 US501 over Morgan Creek

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. S. Jct. NC54 · Structure no. 000000001350035

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15 US501 over Morgan Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US15 US501 over Morgan Creek in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 33,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,000 by 2040. The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long and 100 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15 US501
CrossesMorgan Creek
Location0.2 Mi. S. Jct. NC54
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.89159, -79.05893
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length203 ft (61.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width100 ft (30.4 m)
Roadway width93 ft (28.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,000 (2021)
Projected traffic66,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US15 US501 over Morgan Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US15 US501 over Morgan 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US15 US501 over Morgan Creek carry?

About 33,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US15 US501 over Morgan Creek?

The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.

Who owns US15 US501 over Morgan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.