Have you ever encountered a low bridge?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by snowbird_89, May 15, 2012.

  1. Green Machine

    Green Machine Medium Load Member

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    With your name on here... I would say if you don't make it under a bridge, you weren't going fast enough! :biggrin_255:
     
    Ladyblue379 Thanks this.
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  3. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    THere is a tunnel in PA that is scary. Is it on 78?

    It is a posted clearance of 13'-6". The sign on our dash says 13' 7"...

    But I just filled up at the buffet so that must have lowered the truck enough.

    Mikeeee
     
  4. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

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    Cherokee County, Alabama
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    i do not use a gps and that is one reason i do not.i just pull out the trusty ol' trucker's atlas.but then the newer gps set up may not place you in that situation.

    you can always drop the air on the truck and on the trailer and move forward/backward a little at a time then drop it all again,all dependent upon how low the overpass is that one has encountered.Let as much air as possible out of all the tires too.great reason to carry an air line for all you newer drivers as one can keep you going through many different scenarios.
    This situation calls for the lo pro tires as well which are not on my truck but are on most all mega outfits.my question is the height still 13'6" on a truck/trl that runs 22.5 lo pro? I would think not but actually don't know since in over two decades i have never used/been associated with lo pro tires,at least not on both truck and trl at the same time.
    wonder how tall those super single set ups are?
    your question purged thought driver because if you are around trucks long enough,you will encounter all kinds of different ordeals.I used the dropping air bags trick last year as i was loading some scrap metal and the scale house was rather low at the canopy and i turned a bit sharp exiting the scale. my trailer scraped/caught the dog-gone canopy about mid way on top of my trailer during the turn.scale lady came unglued BUT at the end of the hollering there was ZERO damage to either canopy nor trailer.you have to move quickly while the air builds back up and stop quickly in order to not get hung up worse or cause more damage.I moved inches at a time until cleared.seemed as though it took much longer than it actually did!
    WHEW! we now get along rather well when i go there.funny how things work out sometimes.
     
    Last edited: May 16, 2012
  5. TLeaHeart

    TLeaHeart Road Train Member

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    Truck and trailer with low pro 22.5 is 13'4". I have actually measured mine.

    Another tip if the sign is black letters on a yellow background the bridge is taller than what is on the sign. How much taller depends on the city and state.

    Black letters on a white background that is the actual height.
     
    x#1 Thanks this.
  6. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

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    Cherokee County, Alabama
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    thank you driver.now i know.
     
  7. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Notfastenough, that was probably a good thing! For you and those with you, now know how to handle that type of situation were it to happen out over the road! Talk about real life situations!

    Can't believe the trainer knew nothing of it though!
     
  8. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    Ran containers in the mid 80`s - 90`s, Global 1, Chicago, I knew drivers that took a short cut, to save time, but the viaduct was a low one. These guys would drop the trailer on the frame, and go under the viaduct, then hook back up. First thing I thought, if that thing catches and pulls back, and drops on the ground your in trouble. They did it like that for years.
     
  9. Ex-Con-Trucker

    Ex-Con-Trucker Medium Load Member

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    You just described my biggest fear. I'm in NYC once every 2 weeks or so, going to these hold in the wall (literally) shippers and receivers, and am always scared of coming to a bridge, or RR that I cannot fit under.

    Speaking of NYC, anyone know if the Borden Avenue Bridge is open in Long Island City? Got to pick up a load off of Borden Avenue in the morning.
     
  10. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Also in NYC the bridges that ARE marked are not marked truly. In some instances you will see a bridge marked 12' 5" and still clear a 13' 6" truck! Some say it is for snow clearance but I'm not sold on that one!
     
  11. mikemill123

    mikemill123 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 13, 2011
    Lansing, MI
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    Came acorss one today in Pontiac Michigan. Just my luck a closed down factory was right next to the bridge.
     
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