Blue Ridge Parkway over Sims Creek
FairWatauga County, North Carolina · 3.5 Miles from U.S. Route · Structure no. 5140171P0000000
- Built
- 1957
- 68 years old, rebuilt 2006
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Girder and Floorbeam System
- Steel
- Length
- 388 ft
- 4 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 2,300
- 2023 count
- Owner
- Federal
- National Park Service
About this bridge
Blue Ridge Parkway over Sims Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Sims Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2006, 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 5 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 388 ft (118.3 m) long and 34 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 | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Sims Creek built?
It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.
What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Sims Creek 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 Sims Creek carry?
About 2,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Sims Creek?
The structure is 388 ft (118.3 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.
Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Sims Creek?
It is owned by the National Park Service.