Trucks hitting bridges is a constant issue, no matter where you live. In Pennsylvania, there is a news story of a truck hitting a bridge (or overpass) at least once a month. There are numerous bridges in Pennsylvania that have been damaged by trucks, from box trucks to tractor trailers. Below is a short list of bridges that have had trucks hit them or gotten stuck under them numerous times:
1. The North Oriental Covered Bridge in Snyder County – Just last month, a truck struck the bridge and knocked out most of the upper beams. The bridge was built in 1908 and carries more than 800 vehicles a day.
2. King of Prussia Road Bridge in Delaware County – In the last 11 years, the bridge has been struck 119 times. SEPTA and Amtrak trains travel the bridge that was built in 1875 and make 17,000 trips per day.
3. Main Street Bridge in Lackawanna County – Over the past three years, five trucks have struck the railroad bridge.
One way to prevent these accidents is for drivers to know their routes. Too many times, truck drivers are following their GPS and ignoring a bridge’s warning signs. These signs give the bridge’s clearance, but some may only say “low clearance.” By knowing your route, you can see where the bridges are and their height requirements. Also, it’s important to know your trucks height and weight. A truck that is 12’ in height will not be able to go under a bridge that has a clearance of 11’ 7”. Not only is there damage to the bridge, but there is also damage to the truck and the cargo. Drivers risk injury as well.
At DVC, our drivers know their routes to help ensure a safe journey to their destination. They also know the details of their truck, such as height and weight (before cargo). Contact us today to learn how your company can benefit from our safe transportation services!