US Bridges

Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 16

Good

Ashe County, North Carolina · 13.1 Miles from Nc Route · Structure no. 5140090P0000000

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,347
2011 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 16 is a concrete frame carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 16 in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 2031. The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

CarriesBlue Ridge Parkway
CrossesNc Route 16
Location13.1 Miles from Nc Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
Coordinates36.31336, -81.36319
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 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 width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,347 (2011)
Projected traffic1,482 by 2031
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 16 built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 16 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 16 carry?

About 1,347 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 16?

The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Nc Route 16?

It is owned by the National Park Service.