close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

    • Delaware’s ‘can opener’ overpass declared a historic site by Google
    Utah

    Delaware’s ‘can opener’ overpass declared a historic site by Google

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

    play

    A railway overpass that so frequently rips the roofs off trucks ignoring height restrictions that it has been nicknamed the “can opener” has now received a new accolade.

    It is listed as a historical landmark on Google Maps.

    Typically, old hotels, celebrity birthplaces, or other landmarks are marked with Google’s “lock” icon, one of about 40 icons for various places of interest in the Maps app.

    Followers of the Facebook page “What’s up in Delaware” are wondering if the whole thing is real or a prank.

    “OK, who did this?” someone asked. “A genius, that’s who!!”

    “Is this a historical or a ‘hysterical’ marker?”

    For some, the designation is a further warning to drivers whose vehicle height exceeds 3.70 m.

    Over the years, the city has installed interpretive signs on both sides of the bridge and placed 13 warning signs (six on the east and seven on the west) on Central Avenue, each equipped with flashing lights or LED lights.

    And six years ago, Delaware used $165,000 in state funds to install digital signs in the ceiling that flash the message “Caution” when a laser detects a vehicle that is too high three football field lengths away in either direction.

    But technological innovations could not deter all perpetrators.

    “They either hit the bridge or go too far and need help turning,” said Lee Yoakum, the city’s public affairs director.

    Last year there were seven bridge accidents and six near misses that required authorities to back tractor-trailers off the two-lane road. This year there were four accidents and three assisted turns.

    Each of these accidents cost the city more than $2,000 in cleanup or personnel costs. Motorists face fines ranging from $750 for a near miss to $1,000 for an “accident.”

    “If this designation helps bring more attention to the bridge, that’s great! But the ultimate solution is for inattentive drivers to read the signs and heed the warnings. In our opinion, that’s not that difficult,” Yoakum said.

    Facebook feedback requires common sense.

    “Truck drivers need to know exactly what they are driving,” said a woman who was married to a truck driver.

    “I do NOT understand why ‘Do you know how high your trailer is’ isn’t the first thing they tell you in truck driving school.

    “I wonder HOW can this be such a problem? The height of the bridge is indicated before the bridge, right?”

    [email protected]

    Tagged:

    LEAVE A RESPONSE

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Caradoc Wyn
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like

    ads