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Council hears plan for over-height detection “clanker” near MBTA viaduct; officials to seek CHIPS reimbursement and research railroad cost-sharing
Summary
City staff introduced an early-warning over-height detection system (a so-called “clanker”) near the MBTA stadium viaduct to prevent commercial-vehicle bridge strikes, with proposed CHIPS funding reimbursement and requests to explore railroad cost-sharing and legal responsibilities.
City engineering and operations staff described a proposal to install a physical early-warning over-height detection device—referred to in the meeting as a “clanker”—at a location near the MBTA Stadium to reduce commercial-vehicle bridge strikes.
Chief Operating Officer Connor Muldoon, speaking about Item 27, said the system is a physical early-warning layer of a multi-pronged strategy that also includes enforcement and routing/GPS provider cooperation. He described the device as “an arm that extends over the right of way…at the height of where the bridge is and provides, you know, physical and visual, response to drivers…so you need to stop, pull over, and turn around.” The proposed location is northwest-bound on Park Street, under the highway viaduct near the MBTA Stadium.
Muldoon said the project would be reimbursable with CHIPS (state) funding. Several councilors raised the question of infrastructure ownership and whether the railroad that owns the bridge (or another entity) should pay or share costs. One councilor said the rail line company “should bear some of the responsibility. It is their bridge,” and asked staff to explore that possibility and coordinate with the New York State Department of Transportation and the law department.
Corporation Counsel staff noted it would be “difficult to regulate railroads” and that research would be required to determine whether the city can pursue cost-sharing or reimbursement from the rail owner. The council directed staff to forward the project while the law department researches potential reimbursement options and partnership roles with New York State DOT and the rail owner.
Why it matters: Over-height truck strikes can cause bridge damage, traffic disruption and safety risk. The device described would provide a physical warning to drivers before they reach the bridge, potentially reducing expensive collisions and closures. CHIPS reimbursement could reduce the local cost burden, but ownership and cost-sharing remain unresolved.
What’s next: Staff will forward the CHIPS-funded project and have the law department research whether the railroad or other parties can be required or asked to share costs; the record shows discussion and direction to research but no final council vote in this session.
