US Bridges

RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · .6 MI S JCT SH 38 & SH 13 · Structure no. 000000001024170

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,690
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 72 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 3,690 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,712 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesDryden Lake Outlt
Location.6 MI S JCT SH 38 & SH 13
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.48271, -76.29725
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating97 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,690 (2020)
Projected traffic3,712 by 2041
Trucks13%
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$781,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt 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 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt carry?

About 3,690 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Dryden Lake Outlt?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.