Additional Signage Might Stops Trucks From Hitting Lansing Bridge

It's simple math, really.

If it's hauling a trailer, the typical semi truck is 13 feet, 6 inches high. If that truck approaches a bridge with a posted clearance of 12 feet, 0 inches, it's not going to fit.

This low clearance bridge on Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing, Michigan, affectionately known locally as "Big Penny", has sheared the tops off dozens of vehicles over the years. (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)

Yet, for some reason, dozens of trucks, RVs and other high-profile vehicles have struck the venerable railroad bridge over Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing, Michigan, over the years.

And the problem has only gotten worse as of late.

Why Do So Many Trucks Hit 'Big Penny'?

Periodic construction delays along U.S. 127 in Lansing prompt some drivers passing through to seek alternate routes.

Pennsylvania Avenue is the nearest major parallel route to the west of 127, and understandably picks up a lot of that traffic.

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"Big Penny" poses a potential problem, though. While there are big bold warning signs as drivers approach, many behind the wheel of "too tall" vehicles seem not to see them for some reason.

This sign lights up with a warning if it detects an approaching vehicle that's too tall to safely pass beneath the Pennsylvania Avenue bridge. (Photo via GoogleMaps)

Is there something else that could be done to prevent the carnage?

An Idea to Prevent More Vehicles From Hitting 'Big Penny'

While some Lansing residents will admit to experiencing a sort of sadistic glee when hearing that "Big Penny" has claimed another victim, it would save a lot of money and hassle if fewer trucks hit her.

Something the city doesn't appear to have tried to mitigate the damages is the installation of warning signage along the routes that tempt drivers to choose Pennsylvania Avenue as an alternate route in the first place.

The exit onto Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing, Michigan, from I-496 West. (Photo via GoogleMaps)

What if there were signs on I-496 warning motorists of the low bridge just south of the interstate? Would that prevent truckers unfamiliar with the area from getting off there?

Similar signs on Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo Street, Oakland Avenue, Saginaw Street and even Jolly Road might also stop drivers from choosing Pennsylvania Avenue as an alternate route if their vehicles are too high.

A changeable sign near "Big Penny" in Lansing, Michigan, keeps track of the number of victims the low bridge has claimed. (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)

Not saying that there wouldn't still be the occasional vehicular carnage beneath "Big Penny"; just saying that warning signs along the approaching routes seems to be something the city could try.

Heads Up - These are the Lowest Clearance Bridges in Michigan

It may be funny to see on social media when a truck encounters a bridge that's too low, but it's not a situation you'd ever want to find yourself in. Here are the lowest clearance bridges in Michigan

Gallery Credit: Google Maps Street View

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