rbrand
Victoria, BC, Canada
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What is the best source for clearance heights for bridges overpasses etc?
The less you plan the more options you have.
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Rapid
Amsterdam, NY
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try this site:
http://www.aitaonline.com/Info/Low%20Clearances.html#heading
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Ka Ron
Kelowna
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There are minimums for overpasses in the United States, but in Canada I could find no regulations regarding minimum overpass heights on our highways.
In the U.S. they can not be less than 16 feet.
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badboy368
OHIO
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pitch
NY
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KA Ron, 16' is wrong, may be accurate for the interstate system, but there are thousands of other underpasses that are not even close to that.
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joe b.
Florida
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The 16 ft applies on the Interstate Hwy system in rural areas. In urban areas bridges must be at least 14 ft. with one route through the urban area at 16 ft. Get off the Interstate Hwy system and bridges/overpasses can be much lower. I have seen some in the 9 and 10 ft. range.
I have a "low clearance" app for my iPhone. So far it has been reasonable accurate. Allstays Low Clearance. I need 13 ft 4 inches for my 5th wheel. The app lists 4 places in Florida that are at 12 ft or less. The app lists 14 roads in Georgia with 12 ft or less of clearance.
Jacksonville, FL has one bridge on Palm Avenue listed as 8 ft 6 in.
Most of our long distance travel, we do with our truck camper, which needs close roughly 10ft 6 inches of clearance. So before a trip I will take a look at our planned route and identify where any bridges/overpasses are located that might need to be bypassed by us.
These I mark on our road atlas as roads to avoid.
* This post was
edited 11/15/11 06:14pm by joe b. *
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SoakedKarma
Reno neh-va-duh
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Ka Ron wrote:There are minimums for overpasses in the United States, but in Canada I could find no regulations regarding minimum overpass heights on our highways.
In the U.S. they can not be less than 16 feet.
I just had to laugh at that, sorry your so wrong.. I even know a couple of interstate 80 ones in Nevada where the #2 lane is about 15'5"
How do I know?, We HIT them. Stacks of crushed cars Reno to Utah..
#1 Fast lane was like 17'6"
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JUrban
Delaware
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As an old survey party chief, I'd use caution about any printed or posted heights. Let me give you an example:
A road is scheduled for topping with 4" or more of new blacktop, which the contractor lays down. Any bets he got the 4" right under the bridge? When the job's done (5 miles, 10 miles, 2 days, 2 weeks or longer) the state or municipality is notified and tells the survey team to go out and measure the result. 1 day to 2 weeks may elapse until they get out there, all the while the road's being used. After measuring, a report is generated to the "boss" and this generates a work order to the sign shop. The new signs are made IN ORDER with all the other signs they have work orders for. Then the new signs are made (budget permitting) and they are sent to the road crews for installation. Another 2 weeks+- if you're lucky, and the signs are put up. Of course the publication of the result in a road atlas, or list somewhere may be another month to a year or more. Total time, 6 months to 18 months if you are lucky.
Bottom line, if you're down to half a foot or so, go around, stop and check, or proceed with a spotter. To do otherwise is tempting fate. By the way, I-95 southbound through the Carolinas has some bridges in the 13'6" range. Anybody wanna bet?? Think about it.
John
* This post was
edited 11/15/11 06:55pm by JUrban *
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Last resort is that it is REQUIRED that all of them be marked if they're below a standard height and these MARKINGS would probably be the MOST accurate info you can get. If they lay pavement under a bridge they immediately recalculate the height and remark it. If you stay on federal highways you SHOULD not have any problem.
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JUrban
Delaware
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skipnchar wrote:Last resort is that it is REQUIRED that all of them be marked if they're below a standard height and these MARKINGS would probably be the MOST accurate info you can get. If they lay pavement under a bridge they immediately recalculate the height and remark it. If you stay on federal highways you SHOULD not have any problem. Folks, I used to measure these bridge clearances. Regardless of how it's SUPPOSED to happen, what I said was my experience on how it REALLY happens. Perhaps not EVERY time, but much more often than not. Use caution.
John
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