Grand Island Bridge overpass struck again by semi tractor-trailer
May 19—Despite the recent completion of a $1.9 million electronic over-height detection system, the north Grand Island Bridge took another hit from a semi truck on Sunday.
The semi-trailer truck's trailer was heavily damaged late Sunday after after it failed to clear the overpass as the truck made its way onto the Niagara Scenic Parkway.
The eastbound north Grand Island Bridge has a posted clearance of 11'-8", and the westbound north Grand Island Bridge has a posted clearance of 12'-0".
Each over-height vehicle detection system features receiver sensors mounted on either side of the roadway with an infrared transmitter in advance of the bridge that creates an infrared beam over the road. When an over-height vehicle breaks the beam, the receiver sends a signal and activates a warning message alert on a dynamic message sign, notifying the driver to either exit immediately.
The eastbound and westbound Grand Island Bridges have now been struck by vehicles 29 times in the past 10 years.
