US Bridges

Access Ramp to U.S over Middle Fork New River

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · Access Ramp to U.S. Route · Structure no. 5140172P0000000

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,300
2011 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Access Ramp to U.S over Middle Fork New River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Access Ramp to U.S over Middle Fork New River in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1984, 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.

It carries about 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,530 by 2031. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesAccess Ramp to U.S
CrossesMiddle Fork New River
LocationAccess Ramp to U.S. Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.14842, -81.66125
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2011)
Projected traffic2,530 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$45,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Access Ramp to U.S over Middle Fork New River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Access Ramp to U.S 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 Access Ramp to U.S over Middle Fork New River carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Access Ramp to U.S over Middle Fork New River?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Access Ramp to U.S over Middle Fork New River?

It is owned by the National Park Service.