State of Delaware Department of Transportation
08/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 11:47
Statewide Rise of the Clankers Two More Bridges to Receive Overhead Warning System
The Delaware Department of Transportation announces that construction of the new overheight vehicle warning system on Telegraph Road at the CSX Railroad Bridge in Wilmington will begin the first week of September. This bridge has been struck by oversize vehicles 33 times over the past 10 years.
The overheight vehicle warning system, more commonly known as "clankers," is designed to deter over height trucks from striking the bridge. The first clankers system was installed in Newark on Casho Mill Road in July 2022, which had become infamous for being struck more than 70 times in 10 years by oversize vehicles. Since their installation, the bridge has had only one bridge strike incident which occurred earlier this year. The clankers did their job and caused an oversize vehicle to stop, however, the intrepid driver decided they would not be deterred and proceeded to hit the bridge anyway.
"This is another example of our commitment to engineering solutions to promote safety," said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. "We know people will make mistakes and finding innovative ways to minimize crashes continues to be a priority for the department."
Clankers will also be installed on South Rehoboth Boulevard in Milford at the Mispillion River Bridge in the near future.
Motorists should expect delays during construction due to lane closures along Telegraph Road for the installation of traffic control device equipment.
The overheight vehicle warning system, more commonly known as "clankers," is designed to deter over height trucks from striking the bridge. The first clankers system was installed in Newark on Casho Mill Road in July 2022, which had become infamous for being struck more than 70 times in 10 years by oversize vehicles. Since their installation, the bridge has had only one bridge strike incident which occurred earlier this year. The clankers did their job and caused an oversize vehicle to stop, however, the intrepid driver decided they would not be deterred and proceeded to hit the bridge anyway.
"This is another example of our commitment to engineering solutions to promote safety," said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. "We know people will make mistakes and finding innovative ways to minimize crashes continues to be a priority for the department."
Clankers will also be installed on South Rehoboth Boulevard in Milford at the Mispillion River Bridge in the near future.
Motorists should expect delays during construction due to lane closures along Telegraph Road for the installation of traffic control device equipment.