US Bridges

RTE 38 over Wilson Creek

Fair

Tioga County, New York · 1.6 MI N of Newark Valley · Structure no. 000000001024090

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,479
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Wilson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Wilson Creek in Tioga County, New York. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 89 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 3,479 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 43.5 mi (70 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesWilson Creek
Location1.6 MI N of Newark Valley
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTioga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.24354, -76.17747
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,479 (2020)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed43.5 mi (70 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 Wilson Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is RTE 38 over Wilson 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Wilson Creek carry?

About 3,479 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Wilson Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Wilson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.