That Bridge I'm always postin about

I ran into a case similar to this in Pa on 1 of their so called "truck routes" I suddenly see a sign that states 12'3. You ever backed a truck up with trailer a half mile? I got lucky and had a couple of locals assist with stopping traffic.

 

Start with speed bumps before the bridge. Truckers watch the pavement directly in front of them for obstacles if they are on the phone, speed bumps will slow them down. Paint "DANGER-NO TRUCKS" or "LOW BRIDGE-PASSENGER VEHICLES ONLY" or "TRUCK-STOP" in LARGE bright letters on the pavement, facing oncoming traffic after the speed bumps.

Above and just before the speed bumps could be a 14' high barrier with pieces of chain hanging down to the 11'5" level. With the following notice posted straight ahead of the driver-"IF YOU HIT THIS BARRIER YOU WILL HIT THE BRIDGE"

Across the bridge, a warning in bright paint, huge letters- with flashing lights- "TRUCK-STOP OR HIT LOW BRIDGE"

From an experienced driver's point of view there are specific reasons drivers are hitting this bridge. First, New York State posts its' bridges a foot lower than they actually are. This causes confusion and mistrust. In a driver's mind he's on the phone getting directions to a delivery or conducting business, or searching for street signs, block numbers, landmarks, the name of a business, dodging motorists, negotiating turns- NOT a low bridge. Any other information the drivers mind comes across is unimportant. His brain noticed the low bridge warning and instantly disregarded it, thinking "New York posts all bridges low".

Then there are drivers who actually do not know how many feet it takes to clear their trailer. New drivers from foreign countries working in the US or Canadian drivers who only understand metric heights. Some straight truck drivers who have never needed to know how high their box is. People using rental trucks. Campers and RV's too.

The metal beams on this bridge are hidden in shadows, tucked away under concrete that hangs over the edges. Those beams need to be highlighted with very bright paint and lights. Orange and red stripes with powerful spot lamps shining on them. They need to stand out 24/7. How about a custom built L.E.D. display (those things are BRIGHT) with marching multi colored arrows going from side to side mounted across the metal beams? Or a pattern like the headlights on emergency vehicles- Flash, Flash. Flash twice left, Flash twice right, Flash, Flash. Just like the bright LED billboards some people don't like, the city can put any warning or pattern on display. Even warnings with pics of trucks crashing into it to make a point.

It would be helpful to guide trucks into regulated lanes before they see the bridge. Long before the bridge, post "Truck Restrictions Ahead". Then " LOW BRIDGE All Trucks Turn Ahead" (R,L or both).

And if an LED display sounds good, you could place another one at the height barrier, before the bridge. (The barrier with chains hanging down from it).

Well, hopefully something in here helps.

 

I can see it now.....trucks stopping right there expecting the neighbors to bring them coffee and donuts!

 

Another option would be to excavate the road low enough for trucks, but then someone would try with a tall load and hit the bridge anyways.

Can't fix stupid.