Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 321
GoodWatauga County, North Carolina · 13.2 Miles from Nc Route · Structure no. 5140095P0000000
- Built
- 1982
- 43 years old
- Condition
- Good
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 233 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 2,300
- 2023 count
- Owner
- Federal
- National Park Service
About this bridge
Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 321 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 321 in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.
It carries about 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,530 by 2043. The structure is 233 ft (71.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| 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 321 built?
It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.
What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 321 in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.
How much traffic does Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 321 carry?
About 2,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.
How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 321?
The structure is 233 ft (71.1 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (35.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.
Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over U.S. Route 321?
It is owned by the National Park Service.