Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221
FairAvery County, North Carolina · 7.0 Miles from Us. Route · Structure no. 5140099P0000000
- Built
- 1969
- 56 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
- Concrete
- Length
- 100 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 810
- 2013 count
- Owner
- Federal
- National Park Service
About this bridge
Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221 is a concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221 in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 810 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 891 by 2033. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 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 Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221 built?
It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.
What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221 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 Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221 carry?
About 810 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.
How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221?
The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.
Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221?
It is owned by the National Park Service.