US Bridges

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · 0.2 MI S Cayuga CO Line · Structure no. 000000001024220

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,074
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger 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 2,074 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,086 by 2041. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 38
CrossesOwasco Inlet
Location0.2 MI S Cayuga CO Line
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.61797, -76.38409
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,074 (2020)
Projected traffic2,086 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.6 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet carry?

About 2,074 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.