Wednesday morning in Norwood saw another instance of a truck colliding with a low-clearance bridge, marking the second such incident this month. The Lenox Street bridge was the victim of the impact this time, resulting in the complete removal of the top of an Enterprise rental truck. The driver promptly notified the police and was subsequently cited.
According to Norwood police, the town experiences an average of six to eight bridge strikes annually. The Morse Street bridge poses a particular challenge due to its antiquated, narrow structure with a clearance of only 9 feet 11 inches, under which a freight line runs on the railroad tracks above.
Norwood Police Chief Bill Brooks noted that drivers, often operating rental box trucks, tend to be unfamiliar with checking for low-clearance signs. Recently, a tractor-trailer collision with the Morse Street bridge caused noticeable movement, prompting engineers to conduct extensive repairs.
Despite the occasional rerouting of traffic and the need for police investigations and railroad inspections, serious injuries to drivers are infrequent. Brooks has discussed potential physical changes with the town to address the Morse Street issue, but solutions like raising the bridge and lowering the road are costly and long-term endeavors. One option under consideration involves installing an overhead device with hanging chains before the bridge as a warning.
In the interim, Brooks emphasizes the importance of drivers, especially those unaccustomed to low-clearance bridges, remaining vigilant on the road. He urges individuals renting trucks to be aware of their clearance and to pay attention to signage when approaching bridges.
(George Curtis, Norwood Historical Society)
Sources: Fox25 Boston
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