US Bridges

RTE 38 over Erie Barge Canal

Fair

Cayuga County, New York · RTE.38 over Canal · Structure no. 000000004024330

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
369 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,481
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Erie Barge Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying RTE 38 over Erie Barge Canal in Cayuga County, New York. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 369 ft (112.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesErie Barge Canal
LocationRTE.38 over Canal
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCayuga County
StateNew York
Coordinates43.07964, -76.64484
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length369 ft (112.5 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

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 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$13.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Erie Barge Canal built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 38 over Erie Barge Canal 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 Erie Barge Canal carry?

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

How long is RTE 38 over Erie Barge Canal?

The structure is 369 ft (112.5 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Erie Barge Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.