Understanding the Problem of Bridge and Tunnel Strikes Caused by Over-height Vehicles

Abstract

A bridge or tunnel strike is an incident in which a vehicle that is taller than the clearance underneath the structure (over-height), typically a lorry or double-decker bus, collides with the structure causing damage. This can lead to injuries, fatalities and/or, in worst case scenario, train derailments. Bridge and tunnel strikes are costly and expensive. The annual maintenance costs to repair and service the structure have been reported to range in the tens-to-hundreds of thousands (£) while the average cost per strike ranges between £5,000 to £25,000. In this paper, we present a comprehensive synthesis of the nature and scope of the problem of bridge and tunnel strikes, followed by the current state of practice and current state of research. Bridge and tunnel strikes still occur with high frequency, and prevention systems (passive, sacrificial and active) available on the market are often too expensive. Bridge-owners are seeking an affordable yet reliable system that is cheap enough for widespread installation without compromising the accuracy and performance of such a system.