Tractor-trailer gets stuck inside Lincoln Tunnel

[Escape02]

Look for those signs!! 



A too-tall tractor-trailer became wedged in the Lincoln Tunnel during rush hour this evening, delaying New York-bound traffic for as long as an hour before authorities freed the rig.

The truck, standing 13 feet, 6 inches tall, made it about three-quarters of the way through the lone eastbound tube when it ground against the ceiling and became stuck at about 5:40 p.m., said Tony Ciavolella, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The tunnel’s clearance is 13 feet at its lowest point.

Authorities freed the truck about 40 minutes later by deflating its tires, but delays caused by the tube’s shutdown stretched to an hour, Ciavolella said. Residual delays continued well past rush hour.

No one was injured, Ciavolella said, but the driver was cited for taking the over-height rig through the tube. The 13-foot clearance is posted prominently at the tunnel’s entrance.

[pat]

so before i drive thru it, i will be sure to deflate my tires 

[Estes717]

My brother and I drove the mobile billboard trucks for a about a year or so, and we got sent to NYC for a campaign.  I remember my dad saying whatever the bridges say, you'll fit.  Even so, we were heading back through queens and i looked up at an over pass and it said 11'6".. my brother was in one lane and i was in the other.  Well I looked up and saw that and slammed on my breaks, he goes flying by me.  Looking over at me kind of giving me the WTF are you doing..and I braced for his impact.  Wouldn't you know it, right under that bridge he went and I was sitting there looking like a fool.  One would never guess a truck marked 12' 6" could clear an 11' 6" over pass.

heres a link to the website if you've never seen the trucks I'm talking about.  www.doitoutdoors.com  no its not porn... lol

[Trashman]

Look for those signs!! 
A too-tall tractor-trailer became wedged in the Lincoln Tunnel during rush hour this evening, delaying New York-bound traffic for as long as an hour before authorities freed the rig.

The truck, standing 13 feet, 6 inches tall, made it about three-quarters of the way through the lone eastbound tube when it ground against the ceiling and became stuck at about 5:40 p.m., said Tony Ciavolella, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The tunnel’s clearance is 13 feet at its lowest point.

Authorities freed the truck about 40 minutes later by deflating its tires, but delays caused by the tube’s shutdown stretched to an hour, Ciavolella said. Residual delays continued well past rush hour.

No one was injured, Ciavolella said, but the driver was cited for taking the over-height rig through the tube. The 13-foot clearance is posted prominently at the tunnel’s entrance.

I was wondering why the NJ Turnpike was stopped dead at 16E last night. The tunnels all have that laser measuring device with horns and whistles, I wonder why it didn't go off? I hear you have to pay for the damages when you hit the ceiling.

[Ex Road Pounder]

New York State marks the bridges 12 inches less than actual to allow for ice, and snow build up. At 11 6 he was right there. Close call, and lucky that time.  All he needed to do was hit a pot hole, and at that speed could have pealed the roof.

[Pete B.]

They must of seen the movie "High Ballin'" to know to let the air out of the tires to get under the bridge

[Mister TyZo]

They must of seen the movie "High Ballin'" to know to let the air out of the tires to get under the bridge

   If I'm not mistaken and I'm sure MG can verify but I believe there is a route to the CP Container yard by the Lakefront (Toronto ) that you have to drop your Air Ride to make it under the Overpass.

[charlie]

The tunnel’s clearance is 13 feet at its lowest point.

The 13-foot clearance is posted prominently at the tunnel’s entrance.

I did this drive maybe 3-5 times a week for 8 years & was always amazed when this happened. They have the alarms & those yellow flower pot things hanging about 50' before the entrance. Alarm goes off, 5 cops who didn't notice this big tractor trailer before this come walking over & traffic is held up 15 minutes so the driver can turn around & get out of there.

Always wondered why they didn't have a cop posted farther down, teach him where to look for the 13' 6' sign on the trailer and if he spots a too tall truck then he directs the driver to continue straght ahead & not into the tunnel.

Guess i'm too practical & don't think like a Port Authority exec.

[Oldrustycars]

Chicago is notorious for mismarked clearance signs. some are higher than it says, many are lower, and some are not marked at all.

[wbache]

Back in 64 I pulled a government trailer out of Rochester that went to the Brooklyn Army Depot for overseas shipment. I measured the semi when I picked it up and weighed it at the Rochester Market. It was 13 ft by the tape. I wasn't familiar with NYC so I headed for the Lincoln tunnel as I knew the Holland was lower. I took a deep breath when I saw the 13/6 sign and drove thru with the roof still on the trailer. There are lots of low underpasses in NY and NJ and there was even one on the PA pike. I picked up a van trailer at Fruehauf in Avon Lake OH.  the yard man there asked how I was going and I told him down the PA pike to Breezewood. He told me about the underpass which  I no longer know the location of and advised me to get out in the left lane, the semi was a 45 footer and PA was still at 40 so I didn't need to have any close encounters with the law. I left Breezewood in the dark and headed down I 70 towards DC.