Grant Avenue underpass closed to trucks on Wednesday

The city of Springfield is closing a portion of Grant Avenue to large trucks starting Wednesday, in an effort to prevent what has become a common occurrence: trucks too large to clear the underpass getting stuck and blocking traffic.

Grant Avenue will be closed to large trucks between Commercial and Chase streets; the city Traffic Engineering Division is in the process of installing "No Truck" signs to signify the rule change.

There have been 13 reported incidents in the past four years of trucks - mostly commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and dump trucks - becoming wedged underneath the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad bridge and causing traffic tie-ups, including four incidents this year, according to a city news release.

The incidents have occurred despite clear signage stating the underpass clearance height of 11 feet 6 inches, the release said. City spokeswoman Louise Whall said that while she didn't have specific information immediately available, most of the incidents have involved out-of-town companies that may be unaware of the height limitations.

After the city traffic division determined closing the street to trucks would be the most cost-effective method of handling the issue, the city offered a public comment period in October. The city received one phone call in support and none in opposition.

The prohibition applies to trucks with more than two axles, and violations could result in traffic citations subject to Municipal Code punishment, which Whall said could include a $1,000 fine or six months in jail for repeat offenders. Trucks will be directed to cross the railroad tracks at the Kansas Expressway viaduct, less than a mile to the west.[[In-content Ad]]