US Bridges

Blue Ridge Parkway over Middle Fork New River

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · 15.4 Miles from U.S. Rout · Structure no. 5140163P0000000

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2023 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway over Middle Fork New River is a concrete culvert carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Middle Fork New River in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

CarriesBlue Ridge Parkway
CrossesMiddle Fork New River
Location15.4 Miles from U.S. Rout
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
Coordinates36.14756, -81.66239
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.1 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2023)
Projected traffic2,530 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Middle Fork New River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Middle Fork New River 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 Middle Fork New River carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Middle Fork New River?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Middle Fork New River?

It is owned by the National Park Service.