The Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge in Lansing has become a well-known sight, but not for the right reasons. Built in 1928, this railroad bridge, standing at precisely 12 feet tall, has endured numerous collisions with tall trucks and equipment over the years.
Despite these frequent impacts, the bridge still stands, raising questions about its safety. Surprisingly, there are no official records kept by city, state, or federal agencies regarding these collisions, leaving uncertainty about the extent of damage and safety risks.
Recent incidents have highlighted the ongoing problem. In just one month, the bridge was struck at least three times, causing significant damage to vehicles and disrupting traffic. While the exact frequency of these collisions is unknown, social media posts and historical records suggest a long-standing issue.
Owned by Canadian National Railway, details about the bridge’s inspection frequency and protocols remain unclear. Despite the lack of official data, it’s widely acknowledged that collisions with the bridge are common.
Concerns about the bridge’s safety have been raised, but city officials claim that regular inspections are conducted every two years as required by federal regulations. While the city does not maintain the bridge itself, it ensures inspections are carried out to meet safety standards.
Efforts to address the problem focus on warning signs and prevention measures rather than costly structural changes. Multiple signs warn approaching drivers of the low clearance, supplemented by digital warnings activated by over-height vehicles.
Despite past attempts to alleviate the issue, such as lowering Pennsylvania Avenue in the 1980s, making significant alterations to the bridge presents logistical challenges and high costs. Any modifications would need careful consideration of the bridge’s location near the zoo entrance and its impact on surrounding infrastructure.
While the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge may be a source of jokes and memes on social media, the underlying safety concerns require serious attention. With collisions persisting, effective solutions are needed urgently to ensure the safety of motorists and the integrity of the bridge.