US Bridges

RTE 38 over Mclean Creek

Fair

Tioga County, New York · 3.1 MI N of Owego · Structure no. 000000001024070

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,389
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Mclean Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Mclean Creek in Tioga County, New York. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 85 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 6 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 5,389 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,546 by 2041. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 35.4 mi (57 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesMclean Creek
Location3.1 MI N of Owego
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTioga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.1462, -76.26245
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,389 (2020)
Projected traffic6,546 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed35.4 mi (57 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$1.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Mclean Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is RTE 38 over Mclean Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Mclean Creek carry?

About 5,389 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Mclean Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Mclean Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.