Load Height Ignorance Blamed for Spike in Bridge Strikes

Key Details Three bridge strikes occurred in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan within two weeks, with the most recent incident on March 16th involving a semi hauling an excavator that struck the Highway 1 overpass. Dean Evans, owner of Super B Truck and RV wash, points to a critical gap in driver knowledge: many operators cannot accurately state the height of their loads. The Problem When drivers visit Evans' facility, they ask about building height but struggle to answer basic questions about their own cargo dimensions. Evans emphasizes that knowing load specifications is fundamental to safe highway operation, yet many drivers lack this basic information. Why It Matters Permit applications require accurate height, weight, and routing information. The Canadian government is investigating whether application processes properly verify load heights before permits are issued. Drivers facing charges from recent crashes include violations for exceeding maximum height restrictions and non-compliance with permit conditions. Solutions on the Table A $33.7 million Highway 2 overpass replacement project increased clearance from under 15 feet to over 17 feet. Evans suggests the real solution is establishing alternate truck routes rather than repeatedly rebuilding bridges. He notes that drivers with known clearance information often proceed anyway, indicating a compliance issue beyond mere ignorance. Bottom Line Accurate load measurement and route planning before departure could prevent costly accidents and regulatory violations.