US Bridges

US15 US501S over NC54

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. N. Jct. SR1900 · Structure no. 000000001350045

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
182 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
24,750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15 US501S over NC54 is a concrete tee beam carrying US15 US501S over NC54 in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 73 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 24,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,500 by 2040. The structure is 182 ft (55.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15 US501S
CrossesNC54
Location0.6 Mi. N. Jct. SR1900
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.90871, -79.02729
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
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.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length182 ft (55.4 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,750 (2021)
Projected traffic49,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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 US501S over NC54 built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US15 US501S 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US15 US501S over NC54 carry?

About 24,750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US15 US501S over NC54?

The structure is 182 ft (55.4 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US15 US501S over NC54?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.