Low Bridge

[theoldwolf]

I thought for sure I had journaled about our escapade in Davenport, Iowa. On the way up from Harrisonburg we traveled through Moline, Kansas oops, Moline, Illinois - thanks, Di! - and into Davenport, headed for the Super 8 Motel up by I-80 (a great value, by the way). Following Google Maps, we turned north off of East River Drive onto Brady Street, thinking we'd just toddle up all the way to 65th street.

Fortunately for us, ToniAnne was watching closely, because we found ourselves in front of this, in a truck with 12'6" clearance:



And it was a one-way street, with no way to turn. I had seen it as well, but I have to admit it didn't register as fast as it should have - it was dark, and driving a rental truck I'm not used to worrying about low clearances, even in spite of the flashing lights. I hate to think what might have happened if I hadn't had the good wife along, or if I hadn't been paying attention at all.

In fact, this could have happened:

Yikes! When I first saw that video, sent to me by my good friend DryGrub Willie, I thought for sure that this was our bridge... if you look at the still photo, you can see many scars on that bridge where people had had similar experiences...

As it was, we had no way forward and no way back. As it was late at night, I thought I might be able to back out onto 4th street, but DancingWolf suggested I call the local police for help, and for once I swallowed my testosterone-laced pride and agreed with her, after some initial snarling and snapping. A very friendly Davenport officer came smiling up, stopped traffic so we could back out, and guided us around the barricade until we were happily on our way. I took the time to send a note of appreciation to the Davenport Police Department on their website - disaster was averted, and we were grateful for the anonymous "Officer Friendly" who assisted us out of what could have been a very tight situation!

Comments

Just like in my neighborhood!

[fitchwitch.livejournal.com]

About 3 miles from my house, we have three railroad bridges. The first is the highest, the second is a little lower, and the third is LOW. There must be several people a month who don't believe the low bridge sign. Then they go zooming under the first bridge, no problem. And the second, no problem. Then BAM!, they slam into the third bridge. It's not a one way street, but since they usually hit the third bridge pretty fast, they usually have to be pried out.

You're so lucky your lady noticed the sign and stopped you.

Re: Just like in my neighborhood!

[marmoe.livejournal.com]

It might be a good idea for your city to install a bar at appropriate height with chains, just like a swing, a good distance before the last bridge (like this). That way the trucks would still bang into that swing, but would sustain way less damage. It would be easier on the bridge and cheaper in the long run, as well. It's common in car parks over here.

Re: Just like in my neighborhood!

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

Amen! I might have come to my senses in time, but I give all credit to my better half for the notice.