NYC confusing bridge height signs

MaN-0-MaN!
TallGuy must REALLY be tall if he's worried about New York's low underpasses.

 

I recently delivered a load into Brooklyn. I had prepared myself by getting in early enough and with maps, gps, wireless internet. I had no trouble getting in and delivering my load. Getting out was another story-read on...
My company's routing told me to get on I-278 (The BQE). My company's routing is generally very, very good for trucks and they will block out roads I shouldn't go on. And in my 2009 randMcNally Motor Carriers' road atlas, I-278 is clear of any low bridges under my 13' 6" height. So I'm getting ready to get on the entrance ramp at Hamilton (I-278 eastbound Exit 25-26) and there is a 12' 2" restriction sign posted, where I chose not to take it. I then proceeded to drive blind in traffic in search of another way on I-278 further east and got in all kinds of trouble, which I will save for another story. After some research on Google maps street view, you can clearly see a photo of a 13' 6" truck passing a sign a little further ahead at exit 27 for Atlantic ave. at the suspected problem area. The sign says all vehicles over 12' 2" must exit. This truck is not exiting!!!

My question is the same as tall man's. What is going on here!! Is this ok to take? Help please from all you experienced NYC pros or from those of you who have dared to go where no trucker has gone before. (At least this trucker)

Mack-E6, I read your reply, which helps, but does a trucker take this chance without seeing the problem area firsthand, like in an auto. I have only been driving trucks now for 11 months.

 

The best explanation I have heard is the measurement is taken from the top of the curb , not the road surface . I still hear of trucks hitting overpasses while following company provided routing .

 

The state of New York posts the overpasses 1 foot lower than actual clearance, unless the sign says "Actual Clearance." you have 1 foot more than what the sign reads.

 

best thing I have found to do is call the police dept or DOT and ask them directly if the route your planning on taking will work

 

That works great in small town America but calling the NYPD to discuss routing options with them?

 

I tried that in New York City, and again at a local police station where I was delivering. The answer at both places was the same, they didn't know.
The best advice I received was at the local PD, and that was,
"Just wing it".

Also, in the Chicago area one night, I asked at a local police department what was the best route(s) to take to my destination, and they provided me with the information. However, after following their directions to a "T", it led me to a barricade blocking the road, and a DETOUR sign with an arrow --- which I followed --- to another DETOUR sign with an arrow, which put me on a residential street, where I trimmed the trees with my trailer.
I reckon that was why there were signs posted there readin'
NO TRUCKS ALLOWED.
But by then, I was committed.
Couldn't turn around, and couldn't back up due to the numerous cars blowin' their horns behind me, as they ran over all the tree branches on the street.

So much for directions.

 

LOL I delivered to a plant in Laurel, MS once. Since the onramp to the highway was closed for repair, I flagged down a police officer for directions to another onramp. He immediately pointed to the onramp for the opposite direction. We both laughed after I pointed out his mistake. He escorted me to another onramp for the correct direction.

But back to NYC, you really have to know your routes to maneuver through there.