US Bridges

Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 226

Fair

Mitchell County, North Carolina · 3.4 Miles to Nc Route 112 · Structure no. 5140110P0000000

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,007
2011 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 226 is a concrete frame carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 226 in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 2031. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Ridge Parkway
CrossesU.S. Route 226
Location3.4 Miles to Nc Route 112
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyMitchell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.85282, -82.0507
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating63.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,007 (2011)
Projected traffic5,507 by 2031
Trucks1%
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$17,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 226 built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 226 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 226 carry?

About 5,007 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 226?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 226?

It is owned by the National Park Service.