US Bridges

Blue Ridge Parkway over Laurel Fork

Fair

Floyd County, Virginia · 1.4 Miles to Va Route 603 · Structure no. 5140053P0000000

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,061
2012 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Blue Ridge Parkway over Laurel Fork is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Blue Ridge Parkway over Laurel Fork in Floyd County, Virginia. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 1,061 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,167 by 2032. The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Ridge Parkway
CrossesLaurel Fork
Location1.4 Miles to Va Route 603
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyFloyd County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.77642, -80.40408
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.
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; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,061 (2012)
Projected traffic1,167 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$128,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge Parkway over Laurel Fork built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Ridge Parkway over Laurel Fork 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 Laurel Fork carry?

About 1,061 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Blue Ridge Parkway over Laurel Fork?

The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns Blue Ridge Parkway over Laurel Fork?

It is owned by the National Park Service.