How do you measure the height of this bridge?

[tolbs17]

I want to know how high this bridge is. If it's lower than 16 feet, then I-587 can't be signed on it.

I-40 ALT
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7JK21sMxjaLk64S7

[Max Rockatansky]

Whip out a ruler and measure.  Don't forget the two inch rule.

[SkyPesos]

I want to know how high this bridge is. If it's lower than 16 feet, then I-587 can't be signed on it.

I-40 ALT
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7JK21sMxjaLk64S7

What? Plenty of overpasses with a clearance of between 14 and 16 ft exist on interstate highways.

[tolbs17]

I want to know how high this bridge is. If it's lower than 16 feet, then I-587 can't be signed on it.

I-40 ALT
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7JK21sMxjaLk64S7

What? Plenty of overpasses with a clearance of between 14 and 16 inches exist on interstate highways.

From Wikipedia...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_standards#:~:text=Vertical%20clearance%3A%20The%20minimum%20vertical,for%20extra%20layers%20of%20pavement.&text=The%20cross%20bracing%20of%20truss,17.5%20feet%20(5.3%20m).

Vertical clearance: The minimum vertical clearance under overhead structures, such as bridges, is 16 feet (4.9 m), including both paved shoulders and an allowance for extra layers of pavement. Through urban areas, at least one routing is to have 16-foot (4.9 m) clearances, but others may have a lesser clearance of 14 feet (4.3 m). Sign supports and pedestrian overpasses must be at least 17 feet (5.2 m) above the road, except on urban routes with lesser clearance, where they should be at least 1 foot (30 cm) higher than other objects. The cross bracing of truss bridges has a special additional clearance requirement of 17.5 feet (5.3 m).

[CtrlAltDel]

Plenty of overpasses with a clearance of between 14 and 16 inches exist on interstate highways.

I'm not so sure that's true. 

[Max Rockatansky]

Plenty of overpasses with a clearance of between 14 and 16 inches exist on interstate highways.

I'm not so sure that's true. 

It's not the size of the bridge that counts, it's how you use it.

[tolbs17]

Reason why I asked this question is because LM117 said they're too low.

[wanderer2575]

I knew this was a tolbs17 thread just by the topic name.

[Max Rockatansky]

Reason why I asked this question is because LM117 said they're too low.

Did you compare your bridge heights?  Some bridges don't look the same you know.

[SkyPesos]

Plenty of overpasses with a clearance of between 14 and 16 inches exist on interstate highways.

I'm not so sure that's true. 

I forgot we're talking about highways for cars here, not highways for cats 

[jeffandnicole]

This may be one of my favorite.  295 South at the Aljo curve. Right lane (which is the far right lane against the barrier) during construction...13' 7". No advanced warning. Some truckers get a little nervous when they approach this overpass when they see the signs at the last moment. 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1yfP53jkopSJzc7j7

I want to know how high this bridge is. If it's lower than 16 feet, then I-587 can't be signed on it.

I-40 ALT
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7JK21sMxjaLk64S7

Look up an online database for bridges. They usually include a clearance height.  If they want to give a highway interstate status, exceptions can be made.

[tolbs17]

Or NCDOT can be like SCDOT or TxDOT and mount bridge clearances on the overpasses. Just saying that because I can't find a map of how high and low the bridges are in North Carolina.

[SteveG1988]

I want to know how high this bridge is. If it's lower than 16 feet, then I-587 can't be signed on it.

I-40 ALT
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7JK21sMxjaLk64S7

Some states don't post certain heights, like if it is unposted in IL on like US30 it is 13-6 or above.

[dlsterner]

I want to know how high this bridge is. If it's lower than 16 feet, then I-587 can't be signed on it.

I-40 ALT
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7JK21sMxjaLk64S7

It's simple.

• Rent a handful of box trucks, in varying heights, from your favorite vehicle rental company.
• Measure and record the heights of all of the trucks.
• Start with the shortest truck.
• Drive it under the bridge.
• If the bridge scalps the truck (like in https://www.11foot8.com) then the height of the bridge is between the height of this truck and the height of the previous truck.  It is acceptable to use the height of the previous truck.  You are done.
• Otherwise, repeat the above with the next taller truck.
• Record the height of the tallest truck that wasn't scalped.
• Come up with a story to explain the scalped truck to the rental company.

You're welcome.   

[Big John]

^^ Reminds me of this: https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1986/11/26

[dlsterner]

^^ Reminds me of this: https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1986/11/26

Yes, that very comic strip is where I got the inspiration for my post   

[triplemultiplex]

How do you measure the height of this bridge?

Alternatively, the company I work for can do it with LiDAR.  Vertical Clearance Measurement for overhead structures is sometimes a deliverable for our customers.

[D-Dey65]

Well, can they measure the height of this bridge?
http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrextralist/East%20Shore%20Rd/Great-Neck_East-Shore-Rd-bridge-8092021_Morrison.jpg
It's the LIRR Port Washington Branch over East Shore Road in Great Neck just before the Manhasset Viaduct.

[kphoger]

Some states don't post certain heights, like if it is unposted in IL on like US30 it is 13-6 or above.

This.  You might not even know if a bridge is under 16'0", depending on the state, because they don't bother posting above a different threshold.

Plenty of overpasses with a clearance of between 14 and 16 inches exist on interstate highways.

I'm not so sure that's true. 

It may not be true for inches, but it's definitely true for feet.  Here are some examples just from my home state of Kansas

14'4" – I-35, South Haven
15'0" – I-135, Wichita
15'3" – I-70, Voda

The I-35 portion of the Kansas Turnpike has multiple 14'0" bridges.  I'd show you some GSV examples, but the KTA doesn't label vertical clearances–meaning I'd be showing you a 14'0" bridge with no yellow plaque on the structure at all.  Well, OK, why not?  Here's one:  Bazaar Cattle Crossing, 14'0" in both directions.

[7/8]

^^ Reminds me of this: https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1986/11/26

Yes, that very comic strip is where I got the inspiration for my post   

https://www.reddit.com/r/okbuddyphd/comments/v0lywc/me_when_bridge/