University of Michigan bus strikes railroad bridge in downtown Ann Arbor
A University of Michigan bus struck a downtown Ann Arbor railroad bridge with a low clearance on Monday evening.
A University of Michigan bus struck a railroad bridge with a low clearance on Monday evening.
Kellie Woodhouse | AnnArbor.com
The incident occurred at about 7:40 p.m at a bridge over West Washington Street near First Street.
The bridge's clearance is 10 feet, 6 inches. The clearance is clearly marked on the bridge for oncoming traffic.
The driver, according to Fitzgerald, was off route and on his way to a U-M garage.
Fitzgerald said the bus sustained minimal damage.
To free the bus, air was released from the air suspension system.
Kellie Woodhouse | Ann Arbor.com
The bus was lodged underneath the railroad bridge. To free it, individuals on the scene released air from the air suspension system, causing the bus to lower. The bus was towed back to U-M.
A similar incident occurred May 29 when a Coca Cola truck was two feet too tall for the railroad bridge.
Similar incidents at the bridge have occurred several times before; however, an Ann Arbor Police Department spokesperson could not provide additional information Tuesday about the incident and the frequency of incidents at the site. A duty command officer declined to release information on Monday's incident to AnnArbor.com.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
CB
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 3:53 a.m.
Allow me to clear some things up, because as always, there are people on here that think they know everything. The sign says not in service because the shift was over and the driver was trying to return to the garage. The bus was off route due to the marathon that was going on that night which caused several of the roads on the route to be closed, as well as roads for back up routes, as well as resulting traffic jam. Under normal circumstances, University buses would never have been in the area. There was also a very heavy storm that night, and the driver claims they missed the signs because of the rain and the frustrations with the traffic/street closures (remember as well that it was the end of their shift- you all should know how it feels after a particularly stressful day at work). The driver was not cited for a traffic violation. I'm guessing the police understood the circumstances. The driver was fired, however. They had been employed for well over 3 years and had lots of hours on the road. Regardless of level of experience, everyone makes mistakes, and hindsight is 20/20. For those of you who think you are perfect, I suggest going down to the garage and applying for the job. They need more drivers, so put your money where your mouth is, as they say. Also, one correction for the article. The air was let out of the tires, not the suspension. No, having passengers on the bus would not have made a difference, as someone pointed out in the comments, the suspension system compensates for such things. The driver did admit fault and accepted full responsibility for the incident. There is no need to modify that area to avoid accidents. Hopefully other drivers will learn from this mistake, as it's not the city's responsibility to make it more clear (however, they should organize these running events better IMHO). Eventually that bridge will be reconstructed when its time comes. Hopefully this answers questions and dispels some of the myths.
CB
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 3:57 a.m.
One last thing, those hybrid buses have extra clearance needs compared to conventional ones. Unless the driver drives it exclusively, it's possible for it to slip their minds. I can't speculate whether a conventional would fit under- it would be awfully close to say the least. Personally, I wouldn't take the risk, especially after seeing this.
mady
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
Oh dearie my!
Sue_Z_Q
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 10:15 a.m.
Oops!
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 2 a.m.
Why was no information released? Is that special treatment for the university or normal practice when a piece of infrastructure is struck by a piece of heavy equipment? Was the driver cited? Is it university policy to drug and alcohol test drivers immediately after an accident?
Indymama
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 6:25 p.m.
A U of M bus "Out of Service" returning to the bus garage at U of M should never have been in that area!!!Maybe he was lost! The garage for U of M buses is off Kipke Drive which can only be reached to the East of Main Street, not to the West. Was this bus perhaps rented for a special occasion??
musicnerdsftw
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 12:15 a.m.
There was a 5K that had most of downtown shut down so everyone was making up routes back since all of the standard ones were closed
deputydwag
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 5:56 p.m.
Don't remember a bus route that way, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Bertha Venation
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
Seems I remember this happening several times over the years with this particular bridge. If it's not a bus, it's a semi truck or something. At least we know now... thanks to the 10 year old kid on the bike..... to let the air out of the tires! :)
CobraII
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 4:57 p.m.
Good thing it was a green bus!!!
JB SHOOTER
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 4:25 p.m.
recalculating....
jns131
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 3:25 p.m.
This is what happens when you go off route. You get yourself into trouble. Dum dum got gum gum? Sad and I bet this driver did not even know Ann Arbor routes. Unless he gets fired, I don't think he will ever deviate again. And a new bus too boot. wow.
retired townie
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 3:06 p.m.
I recall a cement truck overturning under the bridge in 1965. Amazing they still give licenses to the stupid. That was before you could be using your cell phone while driving
Local Yocal
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
Trucks have been hitting that bridge for 30 years. Its usually U-Haul moving trucks.
Salbolal
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.
Anyone notice the SAES graffiti STILL on the bridge?
Ignatz
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
I know that when roads get resurfaced under bridges the actual height is reduced. Sometimes the new clearance is not reflected in additional signage. I wonder if that might be a concern here.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 1:07 p.m.
I guess big yellow warning signs before and on the bridge aren't enough. Some people won't be happy until we place a booth before the bridge with an attendant who measures the height of each vehicle that wants to go under the bridge and turns back those that won't fit.
Fester
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
A Bridge Too .....Short
Usual Suspect
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
Every year, somebody is going to hit that bridge. All you need to do is make sure it's not you.
Tom Joad
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 10:43 a.m.
That poor railroad trestle. It sure takes a licking. I was sitting in Sweetwaters one day and saw one of those buses drive by and thought to myself that bus is extremely tall. That could be problematic if it turned on to Washington St. Yellow warning signs are usually never heeded
jns131
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
I just read an article or saw on the news a few months back where there is a train tress that will never be raised and yet buses and trucks still get stuck under it because it is a more convenient way to get downtown. when will they ever learn? This is somewhere out west.
Julius
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 10:29 a.m.
This is precisely why we need a monorail!
Bear
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 4:42 a.m.
Every year, some rookie driver, who doesn't know the dimensions of the vehicle he/she is driving, and doesn't pay attention to the SIGN gets nailed, much to their embarrassment. Professional drivers (real professionals, not just wannabes) know all the capabilities and limitations of their vehicles, as well as being fully aware of which roads are available to be driven upon and where possible mishaps may occur. Like I said... there is a reason why low clearance signs are posted... most think that it doesn't apply to them... they are the ones who have their truck roofs peeled back like a sardine can.... SMH!
Halter
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 9:47 a.m.
Allmost all UM drivers are rookie drivers. Most are 19-20 year old kds who do this as a campus job. They get good training. Paying attention, though, and not taking short cuts in order to get done faster are a different thing altogether.
Bear
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 4:43 a.m.
BTw, this happens at least once or twice a year there on Washington st. Locals find it hilarious! Keep up the good work!
Krupper1
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 3:10 a.m.
I hope this didn't block the bike lane!
cibachrome
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
The bus was empty. If it had a few passengers. it might have made it. In fact, the driver may already have been able to drive under the bridge with a full load and there was not a problem at that time.
ThinkingOne
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:31 p.m.
The article states the bus has an air-suspension system. Much less likely to ride lower when full than a traditional suspension system. But the difference needed may have only been an inch or two, so maybe yes.
seldon
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
That's a really interesting point.
Tim Hornton
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 2:01 a.m.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!
a2phiggy
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:50 a.m.
Why isn't something installed BEFORE the bridge that is the same height clearance? I hope the driver was cited for careless driving.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
... on both side of the bridge, which would result in $700,000 of art.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
It wouldn't be cheap if the city installed it because it would be required to have $350,000 of art go with it.
kef
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
This is a reasonable proposal. Similar to the PVC tubes suspended at parking structure entrances, the warning would be cheap and effective.
Dog Guy
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 1:23 a.m.
Perhaps, a2phiggy, you are proposing a parallel pair of non-motorized bridges for the Ann Arbor Greenway.
jcj
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:50 a.m.
IQ test for a drivers license!
jns131
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 4:15 a.m.
More like take an IQ test from drivers who know what bridges not to go under. Bet this one is the one this driver will never live down, ever.
nickcarraweigh
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:24 a.m.
I may think that bridge is clearly marked, and you may think that bridge is clearly marked, which means we both are wrong again everybody somebody runs into that bridge again.
mady
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 4 p.m.
...don't cut your grass in the pouring rain.
ThinkingOne
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 12:10 a.m.
"Do not drive while the windshield sun-blocker is in place."
Rod Johnson
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
"Fan is not to be used in the bathtub"
Usual Suspect
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
That is the sort of thinking that leads to things like a warning label on an iron that says, "Not to be Used While Wearing Clothes."
PWJT8D
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
A MSU bus would have broke down well before the bridge....
a2cents
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 11:30 p.m.
amateur
An Arborigine
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 10:14 p.m.
What I did on my last day as a bus driver.
aamom
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.
I wonder if the bridge has sustained much structural damage after being hit so many times over the years?
Piledriver
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 9:09 p.m.
By looking at the bridge in the upper photo, towards the right side, it looks like one of our little local tagger "SAES" left his mark there too.....time for him to climb up there and get to work scrubbing away!
towncryer
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 10:42 p.m.
Good eye, lol. Didn't a delivery truck hit this bridge in late spring also?
lynel
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:59 p.m.
Raise the railroad, lower the road, or just post a sign that warns trucks of a 10 ft. 6 in. clearance.
Fat Bill
Thu, Aug 15, 2013 : 10:48 a.m.
Busses ARE trucks; you have to have a CDL class B (or A) as well as a P (passenger) endorsement to operate one. Underneath the body of the bus is essentially a truck frame; highly specialized, but most definitely a truck. School busses are also trucks. Busses are allowed into neighborhoods just like trucks are; to make local deliveries and pickups. And just like other trucks, busses can't cross bridges that aren't rated for the weight.
SonnyDog09
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 10:38 p.m.
It's a UofM bus. CIty of Ann Arbor traffic laws do not apply to it.
lynel
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
Thanks, Nobody!!
Nobody
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
Lynel...I do hear your sarcasm. I thought it was funny. Some didn't catch it. : /
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.
Is it posted on both sides of the bridge? The bus is heading towards you looking at the picture. I assume it is but you never know if you don't travel in that area.
ThinkingOne
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
Whether or not buses are trucks is something that the state has differing opinions on. A few years ago the state changed it's mind regarding speed limits. Buses no longer have their own separate speed limits (which were not posted) and now follow truck speed limits (which are posted). So on the highway, for speed purposed, buses are trucks. Buses and delivery trucks can often use roads marked NO TRUCKS if they have legitimate authorized use - such as bus stops or delivery or construction along that section. Taking a short cut back to the lot when empty probably would not qualify as a legitimate authorized use. Separately, I have been on many buses that have a sign posted right over the driver's head that gives the vehicle height (sometimes also the weight for empty and full). If U of M doesn't do that, perhaps they should.
seldon
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
The sign is visible in both pictures, dude.
Frustrated in A2
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 4:06 a.m.
Fat Bill: Buses are buses and trucks are trucks the two are not synonymous as far as the law is concerned. However this does not make a bis driver exempt from knowing the height of their vehicle. And yes there are a LOT of signs before the bridge on both sides Lol!!!
Fat Bill
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 3:54 a.m.
And the "No Trucks" signs at the end of each block? Yes, for those who don't know, busses are indeed trucks...
Solitude
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 11:05 p.m.
You mean in addition to the big yellow "10'6" sign that's there now?
C. Montgomery Burns
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.
As that bafoon Homer Simpson down in Sector 7-G would say...."D'OH!"
arborani
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
"Bafoon"?
alterego
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.
Probably less hassle to lower the road instead of raise the bridge.
Rod Johnson
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 5:33 p.m.
I think the water table (or Allen Creek) is too close to the surface to do that.
Top Cat
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:45 p.m.
Raise the Railroad! Or perhaps next time, just leave the bus there and call it Art!
Bertha Venation
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 5:21 p.m.
AND raise our taxes to pay for it! :)
John of Saline
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.
Don't give the hipsters the idea. They'll toss a few orange barrels on a thouroughfare, snarling traffic, and demand that their "art" be preserved.
John of Saline
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
I posted this last time, too: See website http://11foot8.com/ for a similar issue. Guy has captured many accidents on video at a particular rail bridge.
Lonnie
Wed, Aug 14, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
I didn't check your link last time you posted it, but I did just now, and found the 11foot8 videos very interesting. Some awful crashes, and interesting to watch other cars, pedestrian and clean up crew reactions. Thanks for posting the link again!
Hmm
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
Yep saw this when we tried going to Blimpy's last night, was quite amusing. Felt bad for the driver though
lynel
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 8:41 p.m.
"NOT IN SERVICE" tee hee
WalkingJoe
Tue, Aug 13, 2013 : 11:44 p.m.
My first thought was "Ya think".