For the 162nd time in its history, the Can Opener Bridge in Durham, North Carolina, has claimed another victim, this time an RVer who tried to squeeze through but didn’t quite fit.
As you will see in the short video, the RVer did not take into account the extra height of his fifth wheel trailer from the two air conditioners on top. It’s far from the first time an RVer has made this unfortunate decision.
Since 2008, the folks at 11foot8.com have documented the low-clearance incidents at Durham’s now-infamous Can Opener bridge – the Gregson St. railroad trestle. Its cameras have recorded more than 130 such incidents, from relatively harmless hay bales getting knocked off a truck to spectacular can openers, where the roof of the truck is peeled off by the bridge. Dozens of RVs have also opened up unwanted sun roofs while trying to pass through.
Maybe it’s time for you to measure your own RV so something like this doesn’t happen to you. And be sure you know the height in meters for when you are traveling in Canada.
##RVT1000b
Wait. The driver didn’t even stop after clearing the other side of the bridge??? Surely (s)he had to hear the ACs crunching!
I notice the Carrier Air Conditioner van was the first vehicle to follow him. Coincidence?
If this bridge is 11’8”, why does the sign say 12’4”?
The bridge used to be 11’8″, hence the name “11foot8.com”. Officials finally did something (not sure what) to give the bridge a few more inches, yet folks still provide great videos at the website. I’ve been a ‘subscriber’ to this site for a couple of years now.
It shows 11’ 8” + 8”
He would have made if that orange thing wasn’t there.
It’s the same height as the bridge. It is sacrificial so that the bridge isn’t damaged due to the numerous incidents at this location.
Oh.
My sister lives in Durham and knows exactly where this bridge is located. She says there are lots of warning signs and lights going to the bridge, but apparently there are drivers who either don’t see them, or choose to ignore all the warnings.
For some, the rules only apply to ‘other people’, Mike!
(but the laws of physics apply to everyone)
Maybe they need a gate to come down and block access.