Radnor Township

RADNOR — In a move to prevent trucks from hitting a low bridge in Radnor, township officials have installed a new warning system on a major road.

Earlier this month, contractors installed an overhead vehicle detection system at the King of Prussia Road underpass for the Amtrak line.

According to township officials, 127 trucks struck the bridge from 2008 through 2021.

“These strikes present an obvious danger to the driver, the motoring public, and pedestrians in the area,” township officials said in a press release.

Besides blocking a major roadway, the bridge strikes on King of Prussia Road also cause significant traffic delays when the road is closed for hours.

The board of commissioners approved the new system in October.

Township officials previously described the system as having a mast with an arm similar to traffic signals. A sign listing the bridge height of 10 feet and 10 inches will be attached to the arm. There will also be flashing signal beacons.

“The hope with the new system is that oversized vehicles will strike the warning bar first, with enough time to allow them to stop before they hit the bridge,” according to the township’s press release.

The cost of the system was partially paid for with $120,000 in state grants. The township kicked in another $5,000 for a total of $125,000.

“The township would like to thank state Rep. (Lisa) Borowski for advocating for this project and securing the state grant. This is a project Rep. Borowski knew all too well during her years as a township commissioner, with the multitude of bridge strikes that would occur,” township officials said.