US Bridges

Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B

Fair

Alleghany County, North Carolina · 1.9 Miles from U.S. Route · Structure no. 5140132P0000000

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
219 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,347
2013 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B in Alleghany County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 1,347 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,482 by 2033. The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesShawtown Road (nc
CrossesBlue Ridge Parkway and B
Location1.9 Miles from U.S. Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyAlleghany County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.46203, -81.00236
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length219 ft (66.8 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 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 and waterway
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$70,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B carry?

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

How long is Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B?

The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Shawtown Road (nc over Blue Ridge Parkway and B?

It is owned by the National Park Service.