US Bridges

RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet

Fair

Cayuga County, New York · 1.9 MI N JCT Rts 38 + 31 · Structure no. 000000001024320

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,481
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet in Cayuga County, New York. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 66 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 5 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 2,481 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,468 by 2041. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 38
CrossesOwasco Outlet
Location1.9 MI N JCT Rts 38 + 31
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.06221, -76.63442
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,481 (2018)
Projected traffic3,468 by 2041
Trucks5%
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$2.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet carry?

About 2,481 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.