Dunmore, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Engineering District 4 reminds trucking drivers to “Check your Height, Know It’s Right”. District 4 has seen 101 bridge hits since 2022. Bridge hits can result in damage to bridges, traffic delays and injuries.
“With over 2,000 bridges in our District, it is critical that drivers know their vehicle’s height and use the appropriate GPS tools to reach their destination safely,” said PennDOT Engineering District 4 Executive Jonathan A. Eboli. “511PA.com provides bridge height information for all drivers. Bridge strikes are entirely preventable.”
In Pennsylvania, vehicles and loads taller than 13’6” must apply for a Special Hauling Permit. All bridges with a vertical clearance less than 14’6” are signed with low-clearance warnings, both at the bridge and in advance of the structure. Drivers should always watch for and adhere to signage indicating bridge heights and not rely solely on navigation devices which do not consider vehicle height when giving route guidance.
The “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” campaign will involve public and industry outreach targeting commercial driver’s license holders and non-commercial drivers operating commercial trucks, leased trucks (such as delivery and moving box-type trucks), and recreational vehicles. Crash data shows that drivers may not always consider vehicle height and related restrictions during operation. For example, a typical 26-foot moving/delivery truck may have a height ranging from 11’ to 13’6”. The campaign also reminds drivers to lower truck beds and check the height of equipment they’re hauling.
Drivers are responsible for knowing the height of their vehicle – whether a personal vehicle or a rented one – and observing and complying with posted bridge heights. Pennsylvania motorists can use 511PA to check their route for low-clearance bridges (<13’6”) using the “Low Bridge” map layer. When the map layer is on, low bridges are indicated with a bridge icon that users can click for more information about the location.
PennDOT is adopting the “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” campaign with the support of The Eastern Transportation Coalition, a partnership of 19 states and D.C., focused on connecting public agencies across modes of travel to increase safety and efficiency. The states are highlighting a Bridge Hit Awareness campaign this week, building on a New York State Department of Transportation initiative that grew into a multi-state collaboration.
For more information on PennDOT’s “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” campaign, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/media-resources/trucks. For information on The Eastern Transportation Coalition Bridge Hit effort, contact Marygrace Parker at mgparker@tetcoalition.org.
Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.pa.gov/DOTdistrict4.
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Jessica Ruddy, jeruddy@pa.gov or 570-963-4044; Elizabeth Fabri, efabri@pa.gov or 570-963-3502
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