Truck Driver Waits for Police Escort, Wonders Why Bridges Are So Low
By chicago-pipeline at June 7, 2012 | 9:52 am | Print
Earlier this morning, a truck driver who wished to remain anonymous was standing on the street just before the Bloomingdale Trail viaduct at Milwaukee and Leavitt, and ushering drivers and cyclists past his truck. He said he’d just called the police to come and escort his truck backward toward Western Ave., since that was his only option.
“I had to get off the highway and the GPS told me to take this route, but the GPS should have bridge height on it,” the driver told The Pipeline.
The driver said he needed the bridge to be 13’6 tall in order to clear it. Instead, it’s 13′.
About a year and a half ago, Philin Phlash documented a truck vs. bridge scene that was not so lucky, at the Ashland and Cortland viaduct near the Metra station. In that case, it was late in the evening and a driver claimed he couldn’t see the clearance height signs, and, as a consequence, destroyed his truck, lost the load of fruits he was transporting, and decided it was time to work for a corporate hauler.
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Kate, 11 months ago
hopefully the trail plan incorporates grinding down the streets under the bridges to accommodate 13′ 6″ or taller…
Justin, 11 months ago
Has the signage and lighting at the Ashland and Cortland viaduct been addressed?
chicago-pipeline, 11 months ago
not sure, Justin. I do not have a car and am not down that way often. Would you mind finding out and reporting back? I think it’s in 32nd ward. Alderman Waguesapck office # is 773-248-1330.
Buck, 11 months ago
Not much of a mystery why they are so low, they’re over 100 years old.
Kate, let the trucks find another route, we don’t need them on our streets.