Bill requiring GPS to list bridge heights aimed at reducing strikes

A bill aimed at preventing bridge strikes by trucks in Glenville passed the Assembly.

The bill requires GPS systems to show the height of bridges, tunnels and underpasses on drivers’ routes.

The bipartisan legislation was sponsored by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam and Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston. 

“Bridge strikes are happening more often as drivers rely more on technology and less on signs,” Santabarbara said in a statement. “This bill will help drivers see these dangers on their GPS, keeping everyone safer on the road. Warning signs alone aren’t enough, so putting these alerts right where drivers are already looking will make a big difference.”

The Glenridge Road bridge has been struck numerous times and the Maple Avenue bridge has been struck as well. One of the most serious strikes at the Maple Avenue bridge last December was when an 18-wheeler crashed into it and caused a huge fireball. Both bridges have been struck more than 125 times in recent years, according to Walsh.

“Tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer funds within the town have been used to protect and repair the bridge, with another $1.4 million invested by the state in recent years,” she said in a statement. “Recognizing there will never be 100% success, my hope is this legislation will greatly reduce the inordinate number of bridge strikes here and across New York state.”