Low Clearances

I believe it's a federal requirement, or a similar law in all 50 states, that REQUIRES all low clearances to be marked...If it's in the Rand McNally map book, marked or unmarked, you're responsible to know before heading out...Hitting a bridge is a 100% preventable accident...

 

This is a good guideline, but isn't always accurate. I've come across yellow signs in NYC that are dead on accurate, and I've come across black / white signs that are 12" higher than marked. The white signs in question are on Long Island, but close enough to NYC to count. And some bridges in NYC are marked with measurements from the top of the curb to the bottom of the gusset plates along the sides. Stay in the center of the roadway and you have no issues.

If you're not sure, just wait around for a minute and see if any other trucks sail under with no issues. Those will be the locals who know. Alternatively, watch the people on the sidewalks as you drive towards a bridge. If they're jumping up and down and waving their arms at you wildly, it's a good bet that you won't make it under. They've seen it before.

 

You have to know the height of your equipment. Generally you're fine on the Interstate and don't even need to think about it. US and state highways check the motor carrier atlas that it's a highlighted route and cross reference for low clearance or restricted routes. Local routes don't push your luck if it looks questionable and there isn't any clearance signs. Generally if it's unmarked it's up there well high enough but I'd rather go around if I get the heebie jeebies looking at it. Did that just the other day with an I-80 overpass near Paterson, NJ. Roadway was sloped not in my favor if I were to go back the same way I came in so I went to another on ramp.

 

Literally, huh!

 

The end of the day YOU are responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle.

There's a bridge the next couple town over from me that is 9'6" Wide but if it were your first time thru there you would think it is height since thats what the sign says. In reality its a 13'9 bridge

Freaks out some of the guys headed to the farms.
Pretty funny.

 

Not the best option,came up to a bridge in the boon docks in Iowa ( not marked) stopped eyeballed it. "No too low,nowhere to turn around,yikes. Well walked around and proceeded to let air out of all my tires. Made it under though not recommended.

 

If you slap a tape to them I think you'll find the height of the average rig is closer to 13'.

 

some of the New refer trailers with low profile tires, are 13'7" at the back doors, due to the brace across the back doors. The rest of the trailer is 13'5".

 

i remember my first trip into the city in the 80s ...was comin up the bqe when i saw those low clearance signs before atlantic ave , i dived off on atlantic with no fatalities and wound up way over by jfk lol.