Ever hit a bridge that was 13'6 high?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by A Bug, Dec 1, 2014.

  1. A Bug

    A Bug Heavy Load Member

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    I always get nervous when going under one of these underpasses with a standard size trailer.

    I see all the chipped and scuff marks along the underside. I remember during training I was told that a fresh layer of snow or a newly repaved road under an overpass might shorten the height.

    Just wondering if anyone has experienced an accident like that.
     
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  3. mp8327

    mp8327 Light Load Member

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    Yes it could happen I hit a bridge in Detroit that was 13'8 when there was a lot of ice on the road.
     
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  4. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I used to go under a railroad trestle in Dangerfield, TX that was 13' 7". The first few time I went under it, I would cringe. After a few times I would just go on under. It was in town & I think the speed limit was 35 so....

    To answer your question tho... no, I have never tried a 13' 6"..
     
  5. Lone Ranger 13

    Lone Ranger 13 Road Train Member

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    I went under a 13'6 bridge and the road underneath dipped down and then back uphill. As I started up hill the trailer roof made contact with the bridge. The area of impact on the roof was about 10 feet back from the front of the trailer. I suspected that this might happen, so I would pull forward a few feet and climb an embankment to check the clearance. I still touched the bridge putting a 1 inch hole it the roof. Then I backed up . As I backed up a local driver on his way home stopped and told me how to get around the bridge. I then came upon a trucking company . I borrowed a ladder. I found the damge. So I borrowed a caulk gun and fixed it.
     
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  6. Passin Thru

    Passin Thru Road Train Member

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    It's Daingerfield. Stupid reporter called Binghampton NY Upstate.

    For years I thought hitchhikers were complimenting my driving.
     
    The Challenger and bergy Thank this.
  7. mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    Been under a few 13' 6" bridges. Haven't hit one yet.
     
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  8. b l a c k b e a r d

    b l a c k b e a r d Light Load Member

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    I was in Chicago when my trainer came up on a real sketchy looking 13'6 overpass. He said this is what to do in this situation - he put his hazards on a rolled down his window and proceeded under slowly while listening for anything to imply we were touching the pass. He made it through and I actually do this myself now.
     
    The Challenger and Montgomery Thank this.
  9. Pool6710

    Pool6710 Medium Load Member

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  10. Edgar2191

    Edgar2191 Light Load Member

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    I scraped 13'2 downtown chicago. Lower airbags and the tail of the scraped trailer. In my defense working downtowni cleared 13 feet bridges
     
  11. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    In theory, a 13'6" trailer will scrape the bottom of the overpass of a 13'6" overpass. But, the problem is, we are talking about EXACT measurements, right ? So, if the overpass is let's say, 13'6.5" well your 13'6" trailer will clear it right ? (by 1/2 inch). But wait, what if your trailer, which is supposedly 13'6" and the underpass is 13'5.5" because the road crew just kinda' measured half ###, now we're talking trailer roof touching bottom of underpass. (and doing damage) So, next time, slow, stop, look, proceed SLOWLY as you look in your mirror. Can you hear metal scraping cement ? If you can, I'd say it's a no go ! Or you could be a dufuss texting while driving and be featured on you-tube ! ! !
     
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