US Bridges

S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek

Fair

Union County, Ohio · 2.92 MI N. of SR161 · Structure no. 8002010

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
255 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,170
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek in Union County, Ohio. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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 1,170 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,624 by 2035. The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.R. 38
CrossesBig Darby Creek
Location2.92 MI N. of SR161
RouteState Highway 38
CountyUnion County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.1498, -83.38162
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length255 ft (77.7 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,170 (2015)
Projected traffic1,624 by 2035
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek carry?

About 1,170 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek?

The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns S.R. 38 over Big Darby Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.