Montreal invention prevents trucks from getting stuck under overpasses

The city of Montreal has come up with a way to tackle the recurrent problem of transport trucks getting stuck beneath overpasses witha new device at one of its most problematic overpasses on Guy Street, south of Ren Levesque.

The device is an overpass detector with laser beams and a flashing panel.

Franois Niro, an engineer and transportation advisor with the city of Montreal, credits his sons garage door opener for the inspiration.

Were in the garage working, and I want to close the garage, and he crosses the laser beam and the garage opens up again. Thats it. I mean, its really simple, Niro said.

The detector, installed near the overpass, has invisible laser beams which are triggered by tall vehicles.

If the beam is triggered, it means the truck is too tall to fit under the overpass, and a panel lights up warning the truck driver not to enter.

With the pictogram we have the truck hitting the structure, so everyone understands it easily, Niro said.

I think thats a good idea. Its a smart move because that should be everywhere with lower overpass, said Alain Lalancette, whos been driving trucks for 35 years.

Lalancette says sometimes drivers don't believe the warning signs.

They are crossing their fingers, because they know the truck is that high.

Since the sensor was installed over a year ago Niro says only one truck has hit the overpass.

One device costs $150,000. The one on Guy Street was paid for by the commuter train authority.

Niro says he'd like to see other cities adopt the model.