US Bridges

RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek

Good

Cayuga County, New York · 0.2 MI SE JCT.RTS.38 & 90 · Structure no. 000000001024250

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
71 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,609
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek in Cayuga County, New York. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,609 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,618 by 2041. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesHemlock Creek
Location0.2 MI SE JCT.RTS.38 & 90
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.65836, -76.4296
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating102 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,609 (2021)
Projected traffic1,618 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek carry?

About 1,609 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Hemlock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.