During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing safety concerns related to low bridge warnings and the effectiveness of current traffic control measures. The engineering department highlighted that despite having installed over 30 warning devices, the issue of vehicles striking the bridge persists, leading to significant financial burdens on taxpayers.
The department emphasized that while the law mandates a minimum of four warning devices—two in each direction—the city has gone above and beyond by installing more than 30. However, officials expressed frustration that these measures have not sufficiently mitigated the problem. The discussion revealed that all standard traffic devices available at federal and state levels have already been implemented, prompting a search for alternative solutions.
One potential solution discussed was the installation of a \"chain curtain,\" a device that has shown to reduce bridge strikes by approximately 70%. However, officials noted that this is not a foolproof solution, as 30% of vehicles may still manage to hit the bridge. The engineering department has consulted with various cities across the country that have implemented similar devices, noting that there is no standardized approach to their installation.
The meeting concluded with a proposal to adopt a hybrid design that incorporates both vertical chains and horizontal bars, pending the commission's approval. This innovative approach aims to enhance safety measures and reduce the frequency of accidents involving the low bridge.