Question about bridge height

That reminds me... unless it's changed, New York posts their bridge height signs marked low on purpose to account for snow on the road.

 

Because then it wouldn't be even with the road surface above and you'd be rapidly climbing and descending a 17% grade to cross each highway!

 

We are glad he is not in city planning

 

Me or the op? Lol

 

The Smithsonian called, they want their relic back! Lol

 

You find Rand Mc Nally, they have some in the Motor Carrier's Atlas.

Then you would drill down to the individual states and decide the route versus bridges you are not sure of. There are tens of thousands that wont fit a truck. OR handled a certain way. For example Arch bridges that might restrict 10 foot in the lanes can be shot in the middle. (Not really smart)

Generally interstate clearances and most STAA routes will take a truck. Just remember to keep your eyes open always. You will run into low bridges but if you are smart about it you wont hit them.

Some cities like Baltimore protects their I-895 tunnel (13.5) by laser on I-95 near the split near US 40, and if your trailer failed that laser check a large sign will order you off the interstate onto Pulaski Highway or US 40. If you failed to get exit, they will intercept you because 13.6 trucks do not fit.

Thats a example.

Most of the time Lawmen are more than happy to close off traffic while you turn around vs a bridge too low to fit. They will tease you give you a hard time then point you to the interstate and get rid of you.

Even if you think and see signs around by say PA DOT that the clearance is higher than you are, you might be intercepted and stopped if the DOT has added say 6 inches of new blacktop under that bridge in question. As happened to me several times. They do not update signs that often.

Unfortunately I have witnessed way too many bridge strikes by dumb truckers who ignore neon pink neon billboards and neon painted garish bridges with lights, strobes and so on covered in warnings that are explicit. THNUMP. One totaled tractor trailer in a beautiful weather. What a waste. (And a firing for sure.) US 20 in a particular village in upstate NY comes to mind.

Do not take directions from blonds in the customer your delivering to. Get it from the dock boss or traffic boss inside the company. Sometimes they have a bridge in which you can pass this way loaded but will strike THUMP when empty if you tried to come out that way.

Finally consider the bridges in winter. Whats 13.6 in rain aint going to be in deep snow. THUMP. There are some that are 13.6 but actually 13 and scrape along under neath. Those are fun, don't forget to drop your airride bags.

 

All STAA roads have at least 13' 6" unless they are listed in the low clearance list BEFORE the nationwide map in the RM Motor Carrier Atlas.

 

People planned the city long before you existed.

Baltimore's infamous Boston street was like 10 foot. I think they finally dug under deep enough by now.

 

Thats where critical thinking comes in.

Take a deep breath, refer to the list of prospective routes you have in mind, and cross reference to match it. It will tell you yes or no. Even then it might not be definite. There is always that chance for a variety of reasons.

One trick is to have your CB Antennas at exactly 13.6 if they sing and rub you aint fitting. But do it very gently like picking up a porcupine. Gently is the word. Not at 70 mph.