US Bridges

RTE 38 over Niles Creek

Fair

Tioga County, New York · 1.9 MI South of Berkshire · Structure no. 000000001024110

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,479
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Niles Creek is a concrete culvert carrying RTE 38 over Niles Creek in Tioga County, New York. It was built in 1959, 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 3,479 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2041. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 33.6 mi (54 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesNiles Creek
Location1.9 MI South of Berkshire
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTioga County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.27868, -76.18136
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating72 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed33.6 mi (54 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$875,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Niles Creek built?

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

What condition is RTE 38 over Niles 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Niles Creek carry?

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

How long is RTE 38 over Niles Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns RTE 38 over Niles Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.