NCHRP Research Report 1132: Bridge and Tunnel Strikes: A Guide for Prevention and Mitigation presents state-of-the-art information to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the prevention and mitigation of bridge and tunnel strikes by overheight motor vehicles. The guide provides a risk-based approach that can help identify high-priority locations, diagnose factors contributing to the risk of bridge and tunnel strikes, select and prioritize countermeasures, and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures. The guide also includes a roadmap for state DOTs and other transportation agencies to implement and maintain a national clearinghouse for data collection. The guide was developed based on an extensive review and study of the state of the practice. The research findings will be used by state DOTs and public safety agencies.

Bridge and tunnel strikes inflict serious damage to vehicles, highway bridges, and tunnels; cause injuries and fatalities; and impose detours and costly delays on highway users. Attempts by state DOTs and other bridge and tunnel owners to prevent bridge and tunnel strikes include signing, lighting, height detection systems, and actuated warning devices. However, these efforts have achieved limited success. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive information on the number, location, and severity of bridge or tunnel strikes limits understanding of their frequency, impact, causation, and potential mitigation. Research was needed to inform state DOTs about the best practices for preventing and mitigating the risk of bridge and tunnel strikes by motor vehicles.

Under NCHRP Project 08-139, “Guide for Preventing and Mitigating the Risk of Bridge and Tunnel Strikes by Motor Vehicles,” the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was asked to (1) develop a national data clearinghouse for collecting and analyzing data and communicating bridge and tunnel strike data and clearance information; (2) identify and evaluate implemented countermeasures used to prevent bridge and tunnel strikes; (3) develop a risk-based, data-driven approach to evaluate the risk of a bridge or tunnel strike; (4) develop prevention and mitigation strategies; (5) analyze the relationship between the vehicle-permitting processes and bridge and tunnel strikes; (6) develop training and outreach materials; and (7) develop a roadmap to implement and maintain the national clearinghouse. The research team developed a guide, training materials, and a web-based prototype national data clearinghouse for consideration by AASHTO.

In addition to the guide published as NCHRP Research Report 1132, the following materials are available on the National Academies Press website (nap.nationalacademies.org) by searching for NCHRP Research Report 1132: Bridge and Tunnel Strikes: A Guide for Prevention and Mitigation.

• NCHRP Web-Only Document 411: Prevention and Mitigation of Bridge and Tunnel Strikes, which is the research team’s report documenting the entire research effort and the development of the guide.
• Counter Measure Selection Training Material.
• Information Sheet.
• Data Clearinghouse Roadmap.
• Implementation Plan.
• Industry Training Material: Know Your Height.
• Other Strategies Training Material.
• Executive Presentation.

The subject reports are available at NCHRP Research Report 1132 and NCHRP Web-Only Document 411 .