US Bridges

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet

Good

Cayuga County, New York · 0.9 MI NW JCT Rts 38 +38A · Structure no. 000000001024290

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
200 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,441
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet in Cayuga County, New York. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 2,441 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,456 by 2041. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesOwasco Inlet
Location0.9 MI NW JCT Rts 38 +38A
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.7163, -76.43724
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 rating104.7 US tons
Inventory rating71.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,441 (2020)
Projected traffic2,456 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$3.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet carry?

About 2,441 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.