Blue Ridge Parkway over Price Lake Dam
FairWatauga County, North Carolina · 9.4 Miles from U. S. Rout · Structure no. 5140097P0000000
- Built
- 1960
- 65 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Slab
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 110 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 2,300
- 2023 count
- Owner
- Federal
- National Park Service
About this bridge
Blue Ridge Parkway over Price Lake Dam is a concrete continuous slab carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Price Lake Dam in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,530 by 2043. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 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 | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Price Lake Dam built?
It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.
What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Price Lake Dam 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 Price Lake Dam carry?
About 2,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Price Lake Dam?
The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.
Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Price Lake Dam?
It is owned by the National Park Service.