US Bridges

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet

Fair

Cayuga County, New York · 0.6 MI N JCT Rts 38 + 90 · Structure no. 000000001024260

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
79 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,864
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet is a concrete continuous culvert carrying RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet in Cayuga County, New York. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the New York average of 53 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 3,864 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,887 by 2041. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesOwasco Inlet
Location0.6 MI N JCT Rts 38 + 90
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.66886, -76.43084
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating101 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,864 (2018)
Projected traffic3,887 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet 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 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet carry?

About 3,864 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.