NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway
FairAvery County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.SR1521 · Structure no. 000000000110008
- Built
- 1935
- 90 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected June 2023
- Type
- Arch - Deck
- Concrete
- Length
- 86 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 2,900
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway is a concrete arch - deck carrying NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,800 by 2040. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway built?
It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.
What condition is NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway 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 June 2023.
How much traffic does NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway carry?
About 2,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.
How long is NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway?
The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.
Who owns NC181 over Blue Ridge Parkway?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.