New York Continues Measures to Prevent Low Bridge Strikes by Trucks

New York State averages about 220 bridge strikes per year, resulting in the potential for injury for the truck driver and nearby motorists, costly repairs to the bridge itself, and traffic disruptions. There have been more than 1,100 bridge strikes on New York roadways since 2015. Efforts to curb bridge strikes include the creation of a regional Bridge Strike Task Force, new signage and pavement markings along the Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, Cross County and Sprain Brook parkways and ramp entrances. Part of the 2019-2020 Executive Budget allocated $25 million for state-of-the-art technologies and automated devices including dual infrared beams, audible bells, and warning signs with flashing beacons, to warn drivers of immediate danger.

The latest preventative measure, announced in November, is the completion of the $3.8 million bridge replacement project of the Old State Road Bridge over the NYS Thruway (I-90) in Albany County. This project includes higher clearance for highway traffic as well as widened bridge shoulders.

The completion of this project comes about a month after new fines and penalties for those driving commercial vehicles on New York State parkways went into effect. Penalties for commercial vehicles on parkways are broken down by weight class, and there are also penalties for over-height vehicles.  The maximum fines and penalties are as follows:

Less than 10,000 pounds:

• First violation – $250 and/or 15 days in jail
• Second violation within 18 months – $500 and/or 45 days in jail
• Third or subsequent violation within 18 months – $750 and/or 90 days in jail

Between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds:

• First violation – $350 and/or 15 days in jail
• Second violation within 18 months – $700 and/or 45 days in jail
• Third or subsequent violation within 18 months – $1,000 and/or 90 days

Over 26,000 pounds:

• First violation – $700 and/or 15 days in jail
• Second violation within 18 months – $1,500 and/or 45 days in jail
• Third or subsequent violation within 18 months – $2,000 and/or 90 days in jail

New fines and penalties for over height vehicles are as follows:

• First offense – $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail
• Second or subsequent offense – $2,000 and/or 60 days in jail

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