Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221
FairAvery County, North Carolina · 2.9 Miles to Nc Route 127 · Structure no. 5140107P0000000
- Built
- 1940
- 85 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Frame
- Concrete
- Length
- 55 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 5,007
- 2013 count
- Owner
- Federal
- National Park Service
About this bridge
Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221 is a concrete frame carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221 in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 5,007 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,507 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 1940, making it 85 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 5,007 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221?
The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.
Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 221?
It is owned by the National Park Service.