State sheds some light on the bridge subject

Blackstone officials say low bridge to receive new warning system

BLACKSTONE – The state Department of Conservation and Recreation will install two flashing “low bridge” signs near the railroad bridge on St. Paul Street to keep tractor-trailer trucks from getting stuck under the span.

The solar-powered flashing signs will be installed at the corner of Farnum Street, St. Paul Street and Canal Street, and at the St. Paul Street corner before the bridge

The signs should be installed by the end of April, Town Administrator Daniel M. Keyes told the selectmen last week.

Despite “low clearance” and other visible warning signs, tractor-trailer trucks continue to get stuck under the bridge on St. Paul Street, a busy thoroughfare and major truck artery. The height of the bridge – 11.8 feet - is posted on each side of the span and on both sides of the entrance to the street, but the accidents continue to occur.

Town officials and residents say it’s become a serious problem.

Several weeks ago, Selectman Paul S. Haughey had asked Keyes and Public Works Superintendent Jimmy Sullivan to research ways to prevent the frequent collisions, including the possibility of using an early-warning system called a “height-clearance curtain,” which is used in Worcester and other cities.

The warning-device system consists of individually hung steel chains in front of a bridge that are intended to let drivers know if their trucks are too high for the bridge’s clearance. The clearance curtain features individually hung lengths of round pipe. The galvanized steel chain extends into the pipe and rattles when hit by an over- height vehicle, alerting the driver.

The pipes are hung at intervals across the length of the cross beam. The frames are designed and manufactured from galvanized steel to suit the relevant road width and mounting requirements.

Haughey had proposed that a height clearance curtain be installed before the St. Paul Street bridge on either side before the traffic light, as well as on the other side of the bridge for traffic coming in from neighboring North Smithfield. But after researching the idea, Keyes and Sullivan determined that method

would not be feasible in Blackstone.

Instead, Keyes approached the DCR, which has agreed to install flashing signs. Using innovative LED technology, the system employs a set of synchronized high-intensity LEDs, which extend the range of visibility of the sign day or night and in all weather conditions. In addition, driver awareness of the sign increases because the LEDs are flashed.