US Bridges

RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet

Fair

Tompkins County, New York · 2.4 MI S JCT SH38 & SH222 · Structure no. 000000001093800

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
38 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 steel culvert carrying RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet in Tompkins County, New York. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE 38
CrossesOwasco Inlet
Location2.4 MI S JCT SH38 & SH222
RouteState Highway 38
CountyTompkins County
StateNew York
Coordinates42.55116, -76.36178
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$529,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 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 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.1 m).

Who owns RTE 38 over Owasco Inlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.