US Bridges

Blue Ridge Parkway over Oconaluftee River & Big

FairPosted for load

Swain County, North Carolina · 0.1 Miles to End of Parkw · Structure no. 5140131P0000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
311 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2023 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway over Oconaluftee River & Big is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Oconaluftee River & Big in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,100 by 2043. The structure is 311 ft (94.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesBlue Ridge Parkway
CrossesOconaluftee River & Big
Location0.1 Miles to End of Parkw
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.50611, -83.30056
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.5 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length311 ft (94.9 m)
Longest span62 ft (19 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2023)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$98,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Oconaluftee River & Big built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Oconaluftee River & Big 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 Oconaluftee River & Big carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Oconaluftee River & Big?

The structure is 311 ft (94.9 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (19 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Oconaluftee River & Big?

It is owned by the National Park Service.