Lansing's Big Penny Bridge Has Eaten Fewer Trucks in 2026

It seems like Big Penny has been on a bit of a diet this year.

Who is Big Penny, and why should her diet concern you? Allow me to explain...

Big Penny is the affectionate nickname that Lansing has given to a short bridge that goes over Pennsylvania Avenue. The bridge is so short that it often — 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)

Meet Big Penny, Lansing's Truck-Eating Bridge

For those who don't know who Big Penny is, she's a Lansing bridge located on Pennsylvania Avenue next to Potter Park Zoo. She has a low clearance of just 12 feet and a penchant for munching on too-tall trucks who dare to pass underneath her.

The reason I mention a diet is because Big Penny's truck toll is vastly lower than at this point last year.

Big Penny Has Eaten Fewer Trucks in 2026

So far this year, Big Penny has only munched on seven trucks. However, in 2025, Big Penny munched on 27 trucks!

I think this diet has less to do with Big Penny and more to do with the fact that road construction is different than it was last year.

2025 saw many road closures and detours that took more drivers along Pennsylvania Avenue. More drivers means more opportunities for too-tall trucks to get munched.

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While Big Penny's total is a modest seven trucks for this year, she munched on a grand total of 113 sine 2004, which is a very respectable number!

Whatever is imposing this so-called "diet" on Big Penny, I hope that it doesn't leave her too hungry for truck flesh.

Big Penny Gets Her Eyes and Teeth Back

While we wait to see what the end of the year totals will be, we can take solace in the fact that Big Penny has had her eyes and teeth reinstalled!

Back in April this year, Big Penny was vandalized when someone tore down her eyes and teeth. Now, she's been given a brand new set of pearly whites and reflect eyeballs to boot! You can check out her new look HERE.

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