An Overhead Height Warning System has been installed at both approaches to the Karl Brown Way train trestle in Downtown Loveland.
The solar-powered system transmits a laser beam across the roadway prior to approaching the trestle. The laser is set at the pre-defined height of 8 feet. If the beam is broken by an approaching vehicle over the height limit, flashing lights will trigger to alert the driver.
Accidents at the downtown train trestle have been an issue for many years. When the trestle is hit, it often results in traffic delays.
“When there is an accident at the trestle, we see significant impacts to traffic, especially around rush hour. These accidents frustrate drivers and tie up valuable police resources,” said Chief Sean Rahe of the Loveland Police Department.
Prior to installing the Overhead Height Warning System, the city has installed multiple safety methods to help prevent vehicles from striking the trestle.
“We’ve added advanced warning signage like traffic signals, and we’ve increased low clearance sign visibility with bright neon colors and large text,” explained Cindy Klopfenstein, Loveland’s City Engineer. “We’ve been using signs that are even bigger than what is required by law, but accidents have continued to occur.”
The Overhead Height Warning System was installed by A&A Safety with a portion of the project funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Safety Grant Program. The city applied for the grant in February 2019 after hiring Choice One Engineering to conduct a safety study of the trestle.
City staff will work with the police department to monitor accident reports to help gauge the effectiveness of the new system.