US Bridges

US501 Nbl over South Flat River

Fair

Person County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi.S.Sr 1202 · Structure no. 000000001450206

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
228 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US501 Nbl over South Flat River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US501 Nbl over South Flat River in Person County, North Carolina. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 228 ft (69.4 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS501 Nbl
CrossesSouth Flat River
Location0.2 Mi.S.Sr 1202
RouteU.S. Route 501
Coordinates36.25676, -78.94402
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length228 ft (69.4 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2021)
Projected traffic30,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 US501 Nbl over South Flat River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is US501 Nbl over South Flat River 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US501 Nbl over South Flat River carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US501 Nbl over South Flat River?

The structure is 228 ft (69.4 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns US501 Nbl over South Flat River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.