US Bridges

Sth 38 over Root River

Good

Racine County, Wisconsin · 1.9 MI N JCT Cth H · Structure no. B51007400000000

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sth 38 over Root River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Sth 38 over Root River in Racine County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 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 7,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,480 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.7 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSth 38
CrossesRoot River
Location1.9 MI N JCT Cth H
RouteState Highway 38
CountyRacine County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates42.84191, -87.91393
Functional classUrban 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.6 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.7 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,900 (2022)
Projected traffic9,480 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 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 Sth 38 over Root River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sth 38 over Root River 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 April 2022.

How much traffic does Sth 38 over Root River carry?

About 7,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Sth 38 over Root River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.7 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Sth 38 over Root River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.