Railroad Trestle on Highway 70 Site of Stuck Big Rig
A big rig became jammed underneath a railroad trestle in Marysville on February 13, but it isn’t the first time this type of accident has been reported. The crossing is located at the Binney Junction of Highway 70, where the tractor-trailer became lodged. The California Union Pacific had to send out structural engineers to examine the bridge before the semi could be safely removed. Due to the accident, a stretch of Highway 70 was shut down between E. 12th and 18th streets. There is a sign posted saying that the height clearance of the bridge is 14’1”, but apparently not all truckers are aware of it until it’s too late.
Why Did the Big Rig Get Stuck Under the Bridge?
Individual states set their own bridge clearances, and in California, it’s 14’1”. According to Caltrans, big rig truck heights are limited to 14 feet, which doesn’t leave much room for error. The amount of air in the tires can make a difference, this is why crews often deflate them to be able to remove a semi that’s become stuck underneath a bridge.
How a Big Rig Getting Stuck Under a Bridge Can Impact Others
When a large truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, gets stuck under a bridge, it can have a significant impact on other vehicles in several ways:
- Traffic congestion: When a big rig gets stuck under a bridge, it can block one or more lanes of traffic. This can cause congestion and backups on the road, as other vehicles are forced to slow down or change lanes to avoid the truck. This can lead to delays for other drivers and cause traffic to come to a standstill.
- Road closures: In some cases, the road may need to be closed entirely while crews work to remove the stuck truck. This can lead to detours and longer travel times for drivers as they are forced to find alternate routes.
- Accidents: When drivers are forced to slow down or change lanes suddenly to avoid a stuck truck, it can increase the risk of accidents. Other drivers may be driving distracted or may not have enough time to react, leading to collisions and other accidents.
- Damage to the bridge: A big rig that gets stuck under a bridge can also cause damage to the structure itself. This can lead to costly repairs and potential safety hazards for other drivers and trains.
Overall, a semi getting stuck under a bridge can have a significant impact on traffic and safety for other drivers on the road. It is important for truck drivers to be aware of the height restrictions on bridges and to plan their routes accordingly to avoid these types of incidents. When a negligent trucker causes an accident that injures others, the injured parties may be able to recover compensation for their trauma with the help of an accident attorney.
Marysville Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Marysville truck accident lawyer. Accidents by a tractor-trailer driver often involve smaller vehicles and cause injuries. Contact us for free, compassionate and friendly advice about whether you may be eligible for compensation when hurt by a semi at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. Our toll-free telephone number is (800) 404-5400, and we are also available online.
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Photo attribution: Image by thefilmaddict from Pixabay
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