New measures are being implemented to reduce collisions with low-clearance railroad bridges.
In the Central New York area, that means changes are coming around the Onondaga Lake Parkway Bridge, an area where collisions frequently occur. Changes include reducing a portion of the parkway by the bridge down to one lane in each direction, adding more signs using graphics to help those with limited English proficiency, and adding a traffic signal that will turn red when an over-height vehicle is detected.
With a clearance of 10’9,” the bridge poses a hazard to vehicles carrying large loads.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Onondaga Lake Parkway and Glenridge Road have seen far too many bridge strikes involving trucks and other over-height vehicles in recent years, which can cause unnecessary hazards to local motorists and first responders. Bridge strikes are 100 percent preventable, and operators of over-height vehicles need to drive safely, pay attention to the new and existing warnings in place, and use commercial-grade GPS navigation systems. I thank Governor Hochul for her support and commitment to the safety of all those who drive in New York.”
“The measures being put in place this week will help calm traffic and provide clear warnings to truck drivers in danger of striking low-clearance overpasses in Upstate New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Bridge strikes create hazardous situations for drivers and first responders and cause unnecessary inconveniences for local communities. These new systems will build on the numerous steps already taken to prevent these needless bridge strikes.”