US Bridges

RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet

Good

Cayuga County, New York · RTE 38-200 Ft from RTE 5 · Structure no. 000000002207090

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
77 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,408
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal 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 1929 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 96 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,408 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,691 by 2041. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesOwasco Outlet
LocationRTE 38-200 Ft from RTE 5
RouteCity Street 38
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.93433, -76.57028
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating97.6 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,408 (2021)
Projected traffic6,691 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
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 Outlet built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet 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 Owasco Outlet carry?

About 5,408 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Owasco Outlet?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.