Prospect Park Businesses Impacted by Frequent Bridge Strikes by Tractor-Trailers

In Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, local businesses like Mini Reef, an aquarium store owned by Salvatore Mini, are facing disruptions due to repeated incidents of tractor-trailers striking the railroad bridge near Route 420 and Maryland Avenue. A recent incident captured on Mini's surveillance camera not only caused structural damage but also led to a two-hour road closure, adversely affecting customer access and sales.

Mini, whose store suffered from the reduced foot traffic, emphasized the impact of such events on small businesses reliant on every customer. The borough of Prospect Park is now actively seeking solutions to this longstanding issue that affects both drivers and Amtrak passengers.

Despite clear signage indicating a clearance of 12 feet 6 inches, Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna reported 21 bridge strikes in the last two years. These incidents often result from truck drivers either overlooking the signs or being unaware of their vehicle's height.

After such collisions, Amtrak, the owner of the bridge, typically bills the trucking companies for repairs and any resulting train delays on the Northeast corridor. Both local and federal authorities, as well as PennDOT and Amtrak, are involved in addressing this problem. While PennDOT suggests Amtrak could work with local authorities to install warning systems, Amtrak insists that such upgrades fall under the road owner's responsibility.

Nearby Radnor is tackling a similar issue at the King of Prussia Bridge, which has a clearance of only 10 feet 10 inches. The township plans to install a dangling metal sign to warn and stop over-height trucks before they hit the bridge. Other innovative solutions, like infrared beam systems triggering flashing lights, are also being considered.

The repeated bridge strikes not only pose safety concerns but also impact local businesses along the street, underscoring the need for an effective and collaborative solution.