Bridge heights
- Thread starter Relayman
- Start date
travelin2
Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired
IMO...An incidental issue. We're 13' 3" also. Pulled the rig 30K miles. Avoid interstates where possible and travel US numbered highways and state highways. Have yet needed to turn around. When in doubt use the truck routes around a small rural town or borough.
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I use the motor carriers road atlas $12
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0528015710/ref=od_aui_detailpages02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It has a listing by state of low bridges so I can determine at a glance if any of them on my route are going to be a problem.
I use that along with the Next Exit road trip planner to find fuel stops that can accommodate our height.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0528015710/ref=od_aui_detailpages02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It has a listing by state of low bridges so I can determine at a glance if any of them on my route are going to be a problem.
I use that along with the Next Exit road trip planner to find fuel stops that can accommodate our height.
Relayman
Well-known member
great info !!! thanks. i used to not worry too much..until i encountered a bridge that had a clearance of only 13 '6" near Tyler Texas !!! Yikes!
jayc
Legendary Member
We try to use freeways as much as possible for many reasons. This is taken from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation Federal Highway Administration website:
The specific standards for vertical clearance adopted for the Interstate System maintain its integrity for national defense purposes. On Interstates, the clear height of structures shall not be less than 16 feet (4.9 meters) over the entire roadway width, including the useable width of shoulder. In urban areas, the 16-foot (4.9-meter) clearance shall apply to at least a single routing. On other urban Interstate routes, the clear height shall not be less than 14 feet (4.3 meters). A design exception is required if this standard is not met. Exceptions on the Interstate must also be coordinated with the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Transportation Engineering Agency of the Department of Defense.
The specific standards for vertical clearance adopted for the Interstate System maintain its integrity for national defense purposes. On Interstates, the clear height of structures shall not be less than 16 feet (4.9 meters) over the entire roadway width, including the useable width of shoulder. In urban areas, the 16-foot (4.9-meter) clearance shall apply to at least a single routing. On other urban Interstate routes, the clear height shall not be less than 14 feet (4.3 meters). A design exception is required if this standard is not met. Exceptions on the Interstate must also be coordinated with the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Transportation Engineering Agency of the Department of Defense.
travelin2
Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired
Lots of bridges 13' 6". Mine clears them all, so far
. Bridge into Glacier NP---13' 6". Been there, here right now!!!
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Relayman
Well-known member
hiw tall is your camper ?Lots of bridges 13' 6". Mine clears them all, so far.
Bridge into Glacier NP---13' 6". Been there, here right now!!!
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travelin2
Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired
13' 3" confirmed. I have personally measured it several times.
As I mention, I can recall at least 1/2 dozen bridges we've encountered that have been 13' 6" to 14'. One last fall was on an exit ramp looping back under the interstate in WV, 13' 6"!!! I cleared one bridge in PA marked 13' 3" very slowly after personal examination by several inches.
Directions online to several overnight stop have warned to not follow your gps due to a low bridge but to follow their specific directions. Like I said, nothing for me to lose sleep over but that's what makes each of who we are
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As I mention, I can recall at least 1/2 dozen bridges we've encountered that have been 13' 6" to 14'. One last fall was on an exit ramp looping back under the interstate in WV, 13' 6"!!! I cleared one bridge in PA marked 13' 3" very slowly after personal examination by several inches.
Directions online to several overnight stop have warned to not follow your gps due to a low bridge but to follow their specific directions. Like I said, nothing for me to lose sleep over but that's what makes each of who we are
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JanAndBill
Well-known member
You beat me to the punch. Best source of information that I know of. However, be advised that though truck routes are "supposed" to have minimum clearance standards, repaving and construction can chip away at that. Also be aware that city streets can be hazardous from low hanging limbs and wires.
Piperflyer
Well-known member
I use the Motor Carrier Atlas and my Garmin lets me put in my dimensions and tells me if I have an obstacle I can't get by on my route. Had no problems yet...
A couple weeks ago we were in Marquette Park on lake Michigan, in Gary Indiana. We were leaving the park headed south and came upon an old iron bridge with is for a hiking trail across the road. That bridge has a posted height of 13' 7" which was not a problem as we are 13' 3". About 100 yards past this bridge is another bridge for the railroad. Approaching the bridge from the north there is no sign to show the height. Being the logical thinker that I am, 
, I assumed the unmarked bridge would be higher than the marked bridge. Unfortunately for my front AC cover the second bridge was only 13' 1", which it does state on the south side, but not from the north. Lesson learned, either turn around when it's close or have someone on the ladder watching as you slowly approach the bridge!!
, I assumed the unmarked bridge would be higher than the marked bridge. Unfortunately for my front AC cover the second bridge was only 13' 1", which it does state on the south side, but not from the north. Lesson learned, either turn around when it's close or have someone on the ladder watching as you slowly approach the bridge!!
Oregon_Camper
Well-known member
How far in advance does it provide the warning?
JohnD
Moved on to the next thing...
It can be set to whatever you want it . . . I think in 1/10th of a mile increments up to 5 miles I believe.
Oregon_Camper
Well-known member
Thanks....that seems like enough of a warning to get around the problem.
