US Bridges

Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter Creek

Fair

Amherst County, Virginia · 4.9 Miles to Va Route 130 · Structure no. 5140007P0000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
474
2012 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter Creek in Amherst County, Virginia. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 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 474 vehicles a day, projected to reach 521 by 2032. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Ridge Parkway
CrossesOtter Creek
Location4.9 Miles to Va Route 130
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyAmherst County
StateVirginia
Coordinates37.62467, -79.33475
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic474 (2012)
Projected traffic521 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$195,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter Creek built?

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

What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter Creek carry?

About 474 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m).

Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.