Too Tall 18-Wheeler Strikes Memorial Bridge Overpass

[rack'm]

ARLINGTON, Va. - A tractor trailer traveling southbound on the George Washington Parkway split in half when it struck the overpass to the Memorial Bridge Monday.

There's substantial damage to the 18-wheeler that was too tall for the bridge overpass.

Drivers report the truck lost part of its load.

A bridge inspector has been called to the scene, WTOP Traffic reports.

Only the left lane gets by the southbound George Washington Parkway at Arlington Cemetery.

WTOP Traffic is advising drivers to use the Clara Barton Parkway. You are able to get to the cemetery.


I just drove past the truck....man did that trailer take a beating.

 

[aps45819]

Drivers report the truck lost part of its load.

Bet it was the top part

 

[rack'm]

Bet it was the top part

Actually, I didn't see anything laying on the ground :shrug:

The trailer bent in the middle when the front smacked the overpass.

 

[PelyKat]

I just can't believe the darn truckers don't cheeck the heights of these bridges. They know they are "short". And there are only certain lanes, if any that they can clear. I can't believe the number that hit that bridge every year. Repairing a rig/trailor isn't cheap. "especiall if you're an independant. You'd think they'd check these things better.

Ok over my rant. Thanks!

 

[onebdzee]

I just can't believe the darn truckers don't cheeck the heights of these bridges. They know they are "short". And there are only certain lanes, if any that they can clear. I can't believe the number that hit that bridge every year. Repairing a rig/trailor isn't cheap. "especiall if you're an independant. You'd think they'd check these things better.

Ok over my rant. Thanks!

Just an observation here....I don't think that there are tractor trailers allowed on the GW parkway....sounds to me like a truck driver took a wrong turn some where :shrug:

and might I add(speaking from a truck drivers point of veiw) truck drivers do know the height of their truck and their trailer(it's marked on both in BIG numbers so the driver can see it in the mirror)....

the state/county measures the overpasses....however, they don't re-measure the overpass when the state/county say...........puts 14" of asphalt on the road(makes the sign a little off, don't you think?)

 

[PelyKat]

Just an observation here....I don't think that there are tractor trailers allowed on the GW parkway....sounds to me like a truck driver took a wrong turn some where :shrug:

and might I add(speaking from a truck drivers point of veiw) truck drivers do know the height of their truck and their trailer(it's marked on both in BIG numbers so the driver can see it in the mirror)....

the state/county measures the overpasses....however, they don't re-measure the overpass when the state/county say...........puts 14" of asphalt on the road(makes the sign a little off, don't you think?)

Not trying to be a Brat, but checked with my daughter...a civil engineer...specializes in roads and bridges. She says that when they repave under a "short" bridge, they do so to be sure the measurement is the same. As in scrape first, etc. They do measure, to make sure there is no problem. At least the GOOD contractors do!

 

[Fubar]

There are absolutely no trucks allowed on the Parkway, but that doesn't seem to stop them!!
Wow-I bet he is going to have fun telling his boss how he split the truck in half and may have broken a bridge.

 

[chernmax]

There are absolutely no trucks allowed on the Parkway, but that doesn't seem to stop them!!
Wow-I bet he is going to have fun telling his boss how he split the truck in half and may have broken a bridge.

LOL, I'd like to sit in and listen to that office call...

 

[PelyKat]

Yep, to be a fly on that wall...but then the boss probably got the news on the radio or E-mail first.