The warnings for penrose overbridge used to go off when I was driving a standard reefer down the motorway, not a reliable warning system. In saying that container clowns are the worst in the industry and do more bad than good for the image.
Engineer probably had a chineese tape measure.They did something just as stupid back in the 70's with the new NZR bus depot in Rotorua.On opening day first bus in hit the roof.Apparently it was all ok until they formed and sealed the drive.Im guessing that they didnt allow for gradent.
rsr72,
Nov 7, 7:27am
No containers nor diggers on trucks in those days, and ditches were dug with shovels.
gypsyguy,
Dec 6, 10:15am
Still, the driver must be feeling shattered.
kazbanz,
Dec 6, 10:21am
I don't think it origonally had that small a clearance. Sorry guys if I have it wrong but I think the bridge has sunk a bit and the road surface got built up due to flooding.
floscey,
Dec 6, 12:43pm
"clearly"
meathead_timaru,
Dec 6, 2:14pm
Do you not realise that the only thing insurance really covers is negligence!
xs1100,
Dec 7, 6:38pm
so the question is were do they measure the height from eh 4.45 mts is from were the road or a particular height
cowlover,
Dec 7, 8:46pm
probably 300mm beneath the road or something just as stupid.
rsr72,
Dec 7, 9:04pm
#32- Was always low from the time it was built and has problems since then. Typical NZ public works miserliness has always prevented it's replacement by a better bridge and approaches.
serf407,
Dec 8, 1:13pm
I think you might find the motorway has been resurfaced at times over the years raising the height of the motorway and reducing the height under the Penrose Bridge. The big stuff nearly always went down the Great South Road. There were some sizeable cranes and RBs etc when the bridge was built but the RBs had the boom pulled off prior to transport. e.g http://www.commercialmotor.com/big-lorry-blog/vintage-foden-heavy-hitters-re
wizzbikz,
Dec 8, 6:34pm
Was heading north and saw the whole thing WOW what a sight, Fkn glass everywhere including all over our car and all the cars around me. Looked at truck driver as it happened and he was on the phone. The look on this face was priceless, man what a mess. Got through glass on our side but other cars were having trouble getting through,It was a sight i will never forget.
bashfulbro,
Dec 9, 6:28am
And one day, someone in a car following , wont be so lucky,it is absolute stupidity,on the part of drivers,They all know, the legal travel height on that motorway. I still believe that NZTA have got it wrong, by posting varying clearance heights at different bridges.ONE SIGN at EVERY entrance,should state.4.25 Maximum Height .
bashfulbro,
Dec 9, 6:38am
The clearance height has been the same since the bridge was built, it`s no excuse, That 30 RB in your picture wouldn`t be on that section of motorway, it would be traveling on a specific route stated on an overweight permit,and does not include that section of Motorway. The drivers,are in complete control,and should be getting it right, not blaming authorities for building necessary structures, there is no excuse at all, some day, one of them ,will be facing a manslaughter charge, if they keep getting it wrong, and, it is so simple get it right.
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