Historic covered bridges are under threat by truck drivers relying on GPS meant for cars

The Miller's Run covered bridge is shown on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in Lyndon, Vt. Box truck drivers relying on GPS continually crash through Lyndon's 140-year-old Miller’s Run bridge despite signs, including a flashing one, to deter vehicles that are too tall or too heavy from crossing. Drivers can face a“GPS is the most general excuse that is given by drivers that do hit the bridge,” said Justin Smith, Lyndon’s municipal administrator. He says the real problem is lack of common sense.

In 2019, a delivery truck hit the supports and the engineering and repair costs were nearly $100,000, said Smith. About half the time, the town recoups insurance money from the drivers — if it catches them.“They will claim that they didn’t know they hit it and yet you’ll see the truck stop in the middle of the bridge and they’ll look up to see that they’re hitting the bridge,” Police Chief Harris said. “I can count the number that have stopped and waited on one hand,” Harris said.

“You can visit many covered bridges throughout Vermont and other states and see broken boards on the portals and broken or missing roof braces," he said by email. A box truck rental company in Lyndonville now warns drivers about covered bridges in the area, and the town is considering installing a steel beam in front of the bridge to force trucks that are too tall to a full stop.

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