Alberta installs over-height warning systems for truckers

EDMONTON — In an effort to reduce the number and severity of over height collisions of trucks with highway overpasses, Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation has installed advance clearance warning signs and high load warning systems at a number of locations across the province.

The warning signs and systems are designed to provide truckers with advance warning that their load is too high to pass under the overpass. Over height loads are directed to use alternate routes such as the exit ramps to avoid the structures.

Grade separation structures (overpasses and underpasses) are susceptible to collisions from over-height loads, resulting in safety concerns for motorists at the time of impact, during initial cleanup and during permanent repairs, says the ministry.

The department is currently monitoring the effectiveness of these warning signs and systems. It is also continuing to communicate to the Alberta trucking industry the concern with the number and the severity of over height collisions that are occurring.

In December, Manitoba introduced fines of up to $5,000 fine under the Highway Traffic Act for truckers that collide or get their tractor-trailers stuck under a low-clearing overpass.

There have been eight such accidents since October 2006 in Manitoba, causing more than $2 million in damage.