Built from the top down with segments placed in progressive unidirectional cantilever to protect the environment of Grandfather Mountain, this precast concrete segmental bridge was designed to blend with the rugged environment. The unusual step of adding black iron oxide to the concrete helps blend the bridge into the mountain boulders. At 4,400’ above sea level, the 1,248’ long S-shaped bridge contains every type of alignment geometry used in highway construction. This unique bridge has vertically assembled concave octagonal-shaped precast piers that are as tall as 65’.