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How to Plan your Routes to Avoid Low Clearance Bridges?

Since there is no federal standard for height restrictions on semi-trucks or commercial vehicles you definitely need to know the precise clearance height of bridges or underpasses on your route, or risk incidents like this. Especially in situations where you're towing a tall trailer or hauling any oversized load.
There is no Federal vehicle
To help, we’ll explore some methods used to find bridge heights and the importance of accurate height requirement measurements for truck navigation.

How are Bridge Heights Measured?

Bridge heights are typically measured using a few established methods, each offering different levels of accuracy and suitability depending on the location and type of bridge. Here are the most common methods used:
  • Laser Measurement Systems Laser measurement systems are one of the most precise methods for determining bridge clearance. A laser device is positioned on the road, and it measures the distance to the underside of the bridge. This data provides highly accurate readings of the bridge’s height. Laser systems are often used in urban areas where precision is essential to manage heavy truck traffic.
  • Manual Measurement with Surveying Tools In some cases, engineers use traditional surveying tools to measure bridge heights manually. This method involves positioning a surveyor's level at a known height on the road and using a measuring rod to determine the height difference between the road surface and the lowest part of the bridge. While not as precise as laser measurements, this method is often used for smaller bridges or when high-tech equipment isn't available.
  • Digital Mapping and GIS Technology Modern mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology plays an increasingly important role in recording bridge heights. Datasets are collected through sensors or aerial surveys, and then this data is added to digital maps used by GPS navigation systems. These digital maps are vital for real-time navigation systems used by trucks, as they can dynamically adjust routes to avoid low-clearance bridges.

What Factors Affect Bridge Height Measurements

Measuring bridge heights can be influenced by factors such as road surface changes, structural settling and other environmental and expansion or contraction from weather conditions like snow and rain:
  • Road Surface Changes
    Resurfacing or repairs to the road under a bridge can change the clearance height. Regular measurements are necessary to update height information in such cases.
  • Structural Settling
    Over time, bridges may settle or shift slightly, especially in areas with significant temperature variations or geological activity. These changes can alter the clearance height, necessitating periodic checks.
  • Weather Conditions
    Environmental factors like snow accumulation can temporarily reduce the clearance height of a bridge. In such cases, truck drivers need up-to-date information, especially in regions prone to heavy snowfall.

How to Access Bridge Height Information?

Truck drivers rely on a range of tools to for clearance requirements and maximum height figures for specific Some of the common ways they access this data include:
  • GPS Navigation Systems
    Many commercial GPS systems for trucks include databases with bridge height information, helping drivers avoid routes with low-clearance bridges.
  • Road Signs
    Regulatory signs near bridges display the clearance height to inform drivers as they approach. These signs are crucial in last-minute decision-making.
  • Route Planning Software
    Advanced route planning tools used by fleet managers can integrate bridge height data into their systems, allowing for optimized route selection for each vehicle in the fleet.
  • Up-to-Date Street Images It's always good to verify something with your own eyes. Considering map data can be out of date and road construction may be last minute, use a tool like Bee Maps to find dated recent

Accurate bridge clearance measurements are essential for safety and efficiency. From laser systems and traditional surveying to advanced digital mapping, each method ensures that bridge heights are precise and up-to-date. Explore how Bee Map's advanced technology provides up-to-date information, including accurate bridge height data.
Avoid costly delays, damaging your reputation or your infrastructure!

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