US Bridges

US15/US501 over Drowning Creek

Fair

Scotland County, North Carolina · 2.3 Mi. N. Jct. SR1400 · Structure no. 000000001650066

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
270 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US15/US501 over Drowning Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US15/US501 over Drowning Creek in Scotland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,600 by 2040. The structure is 270 ft (82.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS15/US501
CrossesDrowning Creek
Location2.3 Mi. N. Jct. SR1400
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyScotland County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.02297, -79.44269
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 15
Structure length270 ft (82.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (2021)
Projected traffic12,600 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Drowning Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US15/US501 over Drowning 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US15/US501 over Drowning Creek carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US15/US501 over Drowning Creek?

The structure is 270 ft (82.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US15/US501 over Drowning Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.