I-Team: Trucks stuck under low bridges

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - It's something that's happened more than once here in Western Massachusetts: trucks getting lodged under low bridges.

It's not an unfamiliar sight in Western Massachusetts.

A truck jammed under a bridge it couldn't fit under, tying up traffic.

"It's a big concern in the department. There are times you'll go with nothing, then there are times you'll get like 2 or 3 in a week," said Holyoke Police Lt. Michael Higgins.

Holyoke and Springfield police say it's become a frequent problem even though bridge measurements are clearly marked.

A bridge in Holyoke has been hit by trucks so many times you can see theres no longer a sign actually on the bridge indicating how high it is, it keeps getting knocked off.

However you can see there are a number of signs leading up to the bridge letting truck drivers know exactly how high that bridge is but its been hit so many times the 22News I-Team decided to put it to the test and measure it, to make sure these signs are accurate.

22News I-Team photographer Andy Balise rolled out the measuring tape.

Turns out the signs were spot on, even gave the truck a little wiggle room, so what's the problem?

Springfield police officer Robert Kalin says technology could be to blame.

"He might not be from the area, he may be following his GPS trying to get him somewhere. There may be a detour and maybe the GPS took him in that path and its not going to tell him there's a low bridge he's going to encounter," Kalin said.

Note to drivers - be alert.

Your company may be asked to pick up the cost for bridge damages and you could be out of a job.

"Most of the time I've seen thses truck drivers call their bosses and they're fired right on the spot," Lt. Higgins added.

Bridges are supposed to be inspected every year.

When DPW paves the road, they're asked to only fill in what they take away so they don't impact the height.