For the second time this week, a large transport truck struck an overpass in downtown Fredericton. An 18-wheeler full of alcohol was lodged under the overpass, which has a 3.5-metre clearance according to signage, almost all day Wednesday. Friday morning, the Fredericton Police Force issued another traffic advisory, saying a second transport truck was “caught underneath” the overpass, which links to the city’s popular Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. The truck was cleared by 3 p.m. Friday. While the cab of the truck made it under, the cargo bed became stuck, causing substantial damage to the vehicle itself. Traffic was being redirected away from the Waterloo, University, Kings and Brunswick street intersection. Officials with the Department of Justice and Public Safety also attended the scene. “I can’t believe it happened again,” said one nearby resident. ”I don’t know why or where these trucks are going, or where they think they’re going. But in my mind, anyone with any sense would know that bridge is too low.” According to the city’s records, 12 trucks have hit the structure since 2007. The most collisions happened in 2015, when it was hit three times. Fredericton police confirmed there were no injuries, but the truck sustained a lot of damage. The driver was issued two tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act and Highway Act, for $172.50 and $292.50 respectively. The driver on Wednesday was issued a $292.50 ticket under the Highway Act for “exceeding a height restriction.” City has looked at other options to avoid strikes While a bridge is typically considered a provincial structure, the city has a lease agreement on the care and maintenance of the overpass and the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. The city does annual maintenance and inspections on the structure, but an engineer with the city says staff will go out and visually inspect it on Friday – for the second time in a week. “This does happen, it is typical that this would happen about once a year, we’ve had years that it’s happened three times, but this is a bit more frequent and closer than we’ve had in the past,” said Tyson Aubie, transportation engineer for the City of Fredericton. Aubie says it’s important to note the structure was originally designed for trains, so it can hold hundreds of tonnes of weight. “This structure is designed in a way that it can take a hit in a lateral load because the structure is keyed into the abutments, so we’re not worried about it falling off ... it’s a very, very strong structure,” he said. But at what point is it one too many times? Aubie says they have looked at options. “Eventually that structure is going to see the end of its useful life and something will have to be done to replace it,” he said. “Whether that’s bringing something up higher, or potentially lowering Waterloo Row for that segment.” There are several 3.5-metre signs ahead of the overpass and on the structure itself. And Fredericton isn’t the only Maritime city that’s dealt with the issue. Moncton’s Main Street overpass has had its share of stuck trucks, too. So has Halifax’s MacKay Bridge, when toll booths were in operation. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
