US Bridges

RTE 38 over Dry Creek

Good

Cayuga County, New York · 0.5 MI S JCT Rts 38 +38A · Structure no. 000000001024270

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,572
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Dry Creek in Cayuga County, New York. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 75 years old, older 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 7,572 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,618 by 2041. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 38
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.5 MI S JCT Rts 38 +38A
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.70335, -76.4206
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,572 (2020)
Projected traffic7,618 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is RTE 38 over Dry 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Dry Creek carry?

About 7,572 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.