US Bridges

Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18

Good

Alleghany County, North Carolina · 3.1 Miles from Nc Route 1 · Structure no. 5140074P0000000

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,347
2013 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18 is a concrete frame carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18 in Alleghany County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,347 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,482 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesBlue Ridge Parkway
CrossesNc Route 18
Location3.1 Miles from Nc Route 1
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
Coordinates36.55672, -80.90844
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 rating33.1 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.5 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,347 (2013)
Projected traffic1,482 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$51,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18 built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18 carry?

About 1,347 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18?

The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 18?

It is owned by the National Park Service.