Motorist Notification of Low Clearance

[Tom Willis <tom.willis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

To the Net:

We have an railroad overpass over a class V rural collector road that 
has a signed vertical clearance of 11.0 feet.  The actual clearance is 
about 8 inches higher, however we and the railroad are erring on being 
conservative.  During calendar year 2005, two trucks got stuck under the 
bridge, one truck with a height of over 13 feet hit with such force that 
it moved the cast iron bridge structure about 18 inches on it abuttments 
and cost the railroad about $50,000 to repair.  The railroad was out of 
service for a week.   The approach to the overpass is signed according 
to MUTCD standards in that we have two W2-12 signs in each direction.  
One as one enters the road and another several hundred feet in advance 
of the overpass.  There is a flashing amber beacon in close proximity to 
the final sign before one comes upon the overpass.   Following the 
second mishap, we reviewed the MUTCD for the signage requirements and 
found we were in compliance.

The railroad has approached us for ideas to enhance the warning of the 
low clearance to make it a bit more idiot proof.  One idea that we have 
is to paint the physical overpass a reflective yellow or yellow with 
black stripes and also put a sign with the vertical clearance directly 
on the overpass structure.  Currently the overpass is a grayish black.  
The area is not well lit so it is hard to see at night.

Our question is how have other communities tried to make their low 
clearance areas more visible and make the warning more noticable to 
further minimize the risk of having an oversized vehicle go under. 

Appreciate any ideas.

Thanks.

Tom Willis, PE
City Engineer
City of Rochester, NH
tom.willis@rochesternh.net