Top 4 Bridges Well-Known by Truck Accidents
Freight transportation is the backbone of our economy, moving goods from coast to coast with high efficiency. However, this journey is not without its challenges. One of them is driving over low-clearance bridges.
First, let's talk numbers. Did you know that federal regulations require bridges to have at least 14 feet of vertical clearance for trucks to pass safely? The aim of it is to prevent accidents caused by not enough space. But many of these structures were built decades ago, before anyone thought about the height rules. As a result, we still have a lot of bridges over America's roadways that pose significant challenges to truckers.
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Dealing with low-clearance bridges means that truckers need to be super careful on the go. As we know, getting the height wrong can lead to accidents, cargo damage, and time delays. That's why truckers rely on GPS navigation systems for accurate route planning.
One such tool for drivers is the Trucker Guide app. It provides up-to-date information on low-clearance that may come your way. Whether it's a 10, 11, or 13-foot bridge, this app has got your back. And it doesn't stop there, the Trucker Guide has a lot of different benefits for truck drivers. Our team has complied the TOP 4 bridges well-known for numerous truck accidents (click the title to view on a map). Let's explore them:
Onondaga Lake Parkway Bridge
In Syracuse, New York, there is a bridge called the Onondaga Lake Parkway that causes a lot of problems. In 2022, trucks that were over 10 feet, 9 inches higher crashed into this bridge eight times.
Although the Department of Transportation has tried to warn drivers with 46 signs and signals leading to the bridge, accidents continue to occur. The first truck accident happened on February 8 in 2023, and the number is increasing.
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Storrow Drive Bridge
The Storrow Drive Bridge, often referred to simply as "Storrow Drive," is a prominent roadway and bridge system located in Boston, Massachusetts. Storrow Drive is known for its scenic views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline. However, it has also gained notoriety for its low-clearance bridges and the problems they pose for large vehicles.
One of its well-known spots on Storrow Drive is the Boston University Bridge, which spans the roadway. The BU Bridge has a clearance of approximately 10 feet, making it difficult for trucks to safely pass under it.
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Gregson Street Overpass
For more than a decade, the bridge at the intersection of South Gregson and West Peabody Streets in the Brightleaf neighborhood of Durham has been known worldwide for its traffic accidents. The bridge, which originally had a clearance of only 11 feet, 8 inches, was nicknamed "The Can Opener" and "The Gragson Street Guillotine" because of the number of heavy trucks it damaged.
Since 2008, street cameras have recorded nearly 200 collisions with the protective steel barrier at the railroad crossing. Signs and sensors have not helped. In October 2019, the bridge was raised by 8 inches, giving it a clearance of 12 feet, 4 inches. But even that wasn't enough to allow all trucks to safely cross the bridge.
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Independence Avenue Bridge
Is located in the northeast side of Kansas City, has been a recurring hazard for truck and trailer drivers for many years. This bridge is notorious for its low clearance, with a height of just 12 feet.
Bright signs and lights warn drivers of the clearance, but yet box trucks and semi-trailers still face with a 1912-era bridge over Independence Avenue nearly twice a month.
As truckers continue to navigate these low-clearance bridges, one thing remains constant: safety is a top-priority. So with the Trucker Guide app, you can be sure of a smooth and secure journey.
by Stuart Nelson
