US Bridges

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · 0.5 MI S JCT Rts 38 + 222 · Structure no. 000000001024210

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete Continuous
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,242
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet is a concrete continuous frame carrying RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 3,242 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,262 by 2041. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesOwasco Inlet
Location0.5 MI S JCT Rts 38 + 222
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.58475, -76.3677
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating84.8 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,242 (2018)
Projected traffic3,262 by 2041
Trucks9%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet 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 Owasco Inlet carry?

About 3,242 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.