US Bridges

RTE 38 over Virgil Creek

Good

Tompkins County, New York · 0.4 MI S JCT Rts 38 + 13 · Structure no. 000000001024180

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

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Virgil Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 38 over Virgil Creek 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,690 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,712 by 2041. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 38
CrossesVirgil Creek
Location0.4 MI S JCT Rts 38 + 13
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.48559, -76.29742
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating103 US tons
Inventory rating61.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 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 and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Virgil Creek built?

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

What condition is RTE 38 over Virgil Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Virgil Creek carry?

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

How long is RTE 38 over Virgil Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Virgil Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.