NYC confusing bridge height signs

You guys are right that it does help if you run in NYC a lot. I happen to run all 5 boroughs and LI several times a week. The entire length of I278 (BQE/Gowanus Expy. and Bruckner Expy.) is passable with a 13'6" van.
NY state posts bridge clearances about a foot lower than what it really is. Notice I said ABOUT a foot. Always approach slow if unsure. Occasionally you will see a bridge posted ACTUAL CLEARANCE. These are accurate. Avoid the tunnels and parkways and you should be fine in NYC. I do it so much i rarely even need my map anymore.
If you have any specific question about roads or bridges I would be happy to answer them but it would take forever to list them all here. Better luck next time in the city,have fun, and be safe.

 

Hey, Left Lane, I've got a question for you. I ran I-278 Westbound the other night, my first time off I-95 in NYC, and I somehow surived to tell the tale, but I definitely got confused by some of those signs. Maybe you can help me out:

First, the 12'9" warning by the Grand Central Parkway exit. Do 13'6" trucks have to take the Astoria Blvd. detour or is that just for Grand Central Parkway-bound traffic?

Next, the 12'9" warning just before exit 41. Did I read it correctly? Does it actually say "all trucks over 12'9" must use exits 40 and 41"? If so, what are we supposed to do from there?

Finally, the 12'9" warning in Brooklyn where the BQE runs underneath that other road. I got over to the outside lane where I wasn't under the pass, although I looked like I could fit even in the middle lane. So, we are allowed under there?


My lesson learned in NYC Truck Driving 101: The city does not care if you're a truck driver saying you're in trouble and need help. The city does care if you're a truck driver saying you're blocking traffic on a boulevard.

 

been there know that 1

 

just came thru I278 and got off, was that a mess following Atlantic, thanks for any help i try to follow local big trucks but today was 1st time on BQE & none were in front of me just straight trucks. Ya every1 has a different story about NYC bridge height i heard they were measured from the hub to the bridge, lol

 

I too have always been told they were marked one foot lower than actual height for liability reasons ie. lawsuits etc. I had a young driver with me back in the eighties in a cabover International and they sent us to JFK to pick up, you should have seen this guy duck when we came to an overpass,lol.

 

NYC bases their height by measuring from the center of the hub instead of the overall ground to overpass. I do most of my work in the 5 boroughs and long island.
The (BQE) is good for 13'6" the enitre length (ignore the exit 27 Atlantic Ave. warning) The short stretch of the BQE after the RFK bridge is the only part in all of NYC that trucks are allowed on a parkway.
I'll make a little chart for main roads.
GWB: 13'6" Upper Deck
Lincoln Tunnel: 13'
Holland Tunnel: No trucks
Tappen Zee: 13'6"
Brooklyn Batt. Tunnel: No trucks
Brooklyn Bridge: No trucks
Manhatten Bridge: 13'6" Upper
Queens Tunnel: No trucks
59th Street Bridge: 13' 6" Upper
RFK: 13'6"
Throgs Neck: 13'6"
WhiteStone: 13'6"
Goethals: 13'6"
Outerbridge: 13'6" (while crossing the bridge take up both lanes)
Verrazanno: 13'6" Upper
Warning: If you are going into back streets be carefull when approaching bridges. Make sure are going to clear before you attempt to go under. Do not rely on police for help because they tend to send you ways that are not truck friendly. Dont rely on your GPS because it tries to take you on some rediculous routes.

Like others have said you must be aggressive when driving in the city. People will not let you into their lanes. You simply have to start moving over until they back off. EZ pass is a great time saver. Expect traffic and long delays.
The Cross Bronx is the most misserable road in my opinion. Always traffic and very bumpy. (also ignore the no trucks in left lane sign)

If you have any questions about NY I drive there many times a week so I can help you the best I can.

 

Sorry for the repost but it would not let me post a link.
Here is a link for a free NYC truck map. It can be very helpfull for new to NYC drivers.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/truckrtemaprequest.shtml

 

Is that the road through Batavia?

I have taken that with my car. But I thought it has no truck signs now off of the I-90.

 

Sorry to dredge up an old post, but what about the Astoria Blvd exit (44 I believe)? I've always taken the diversion. You're saying it's ok for a 13'6" to stay on I-278 there?

 

No--take the go round I've seen it dine both successfully and unsuccessfully--PLUS it is official restricted--& has been none to b point of pride & REVENUE to local precinct--not sure the # but the local precint sits on the inbound service road just before Steinway and they been known to watch downstairs just 4 the $$$$