Local

That didn’t take long – community banner at Kirkland “truck eating bridge” credited with first save

Published

3 years ago

July 12, 2021

[KIRKLAND, Wash] – (MTN) On Saturday evening a group of residents hung a warning banner above “Truckbane,” the infamous truck-eating bridge in Kirkland. Less than 48 hours later, the sign has been credited with its first save.

Debbie Smith McLeod has photographed 45 trucks stuck under, or badly damaged after squeezing through the underpass over the past few years. A white box truck almost became her 46th subject.

“9:42 AM Monday. I heard the brakes squeal, he (or she – any stats on that?) was able to stop short and back away,” she wrote in a Facebook community group.

Due to the complexity and location of the intersection, a range of improvements suggested by the community is not possible. The retired Northern Pacific railroad bridge is part of the Cross Kirkland Corridor. The corridor is a rail to trails project that is heavily used and replacing the bridge is cost-prohibitive.

The banner became a hot topic in multiple social media groups only hours after it was hung on Saturday night, receiving high praise and speculation if it would make a difference.

Photo credit: Debbie Smith McLeod

295

Truck Eating Bridge

What do you think should be done with Truckbane, the Truck Eating Bridge?

Add over-height detectors

Lower the speed limit to add a safety bar

Add flashing warning lights

Lower the road to improve clearance

Remove the bridge

Decorate the bridge

Leave Truckbane alone

Thank you for voting!

Please consider supporting independent media by becoming a subscriber today for as little as $2 a month.

Subscribe to Malcontent News

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!