Local

Oops! I Did it Again! Second Truck Hits Kirkland Ave Bridge

On Thursday, the infamous retired railroad bridge on Kirkland Way was hit by a second truck in less than 24 hours.

Published

2 years ago

June 30, 2022

David Obelcz

The pedestrian rails to trail bridge in Kirkland Washington that goes over Kirkland Avenue, and has a banner of eyes and an open mouth with the words I eat trucks with a panel truck stuck under the bridge

Photo credit – social media user – Facebook

[KIRKLAND, Wash.] – MTN The Kirkland Avenue Cross Kirkland Corridor bridge was hit by a second truck just 4-1/2 hours after a semi-truck got stuck under the infamous structure.

At approximately 2:40 PM on Thursday, a westbound box truck struck the retired railroad bridge and became stuck. Prior to local residents hanging warning banners on the bridge, it was on track to “eat” 100 trucks in 2021. A truck hadn’t hit the bridge for 125 days, and it has been more than a year since “Truckbane” claimed two victims on the same day.

The first truck struck the bridge traveling eastbound and the second was traveling westbound.

The bridge is located at a complex intersection with limited visibility approaches from both sides. The city of Kirkland has done numerous studies and made several improvements in 2020 in an attempt to warn truck drivers about the low clearance structure. That effort included installing 12 signs, in addition to the two warning signs that already existed, and flashing lights.

An image of a truck stucked under a pedestrian bridge with a banner overhead that declares "I eat trucks" — A semi-truck from Oak Harbor Freight Lines stuck under the Cross Kirkland Corridor rails to trail bridge on Kirkland Ave

Solving the problem by replacing the bridge or reengineering the intersection is too expensive and complicated. The roadbed can’t be lowered because there is a water main, communications, and electrical infrastructure under the bridge. Additional flashing warning lights can’t be added due to the federal Department of Transportation regulations – the approach to the bridge is not long enough. A cable, bar, or chain warning can’t be used because there are sidewalks adjacent to the road. If a truck were to snap a cable or knock over the structure, it would be a hazard to pedestrians.

When you become a subscriber, you help us stay independent and paid advertiser free.

A free press is a Constitutional right, but it doesn’t come free. Our core missions are showing you an unfiltered view of the before, during, and after, defend the First Amendment, and amplify BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices in an advertisement free experience.

For as little as $5 a month, you can support Malcontent News. Becoming a Patreon will help cover technology, data, bandwidth, and travel costs. Patreons get early access to content and a Discord server, virtual meetings with the staff, and private Zoom meetings. Subscribe NOW!

A one-time Venmo donation can help with safety gear, equipment, or a small thank you to show your appreciation for what Malcontent News provides. No amount is too small, even $5 goes a long way. Venmo NOW!