AARoads Forum

National Boards => Bridges => Topic started by: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 01:43:41 PM

Title: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 01:43:41 PM
Examples

https://goo.gl/maps/sdzdMEss3VhTc1mh8

https://goo.gl/maps/gfcuaiWXqzRboTGa8

https://goo.gl/maps/DJvqM9rb43TXGbV29

https://goo.gl/maps/DJvqM9rb43TXGbV29

Off topic but rare build for a highway - https://goo.gl/maps/Tsongm3m1rrQ4cDN7

Even older bridges I've seen here have fences! https://goo.gl/maps/WEYHiDXVrcF4TEcY8

This one too. https://goo.gl/maps/jc3xCFj14zQf9L6V7

Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: hotdogPi on February 26, 2022, 01:50:41 PM
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28817
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: ozarkman417 on February 26, 2022, 01:51:38 PM
Sometimes? Based on what you provided, are these fences on bridges a southeast thing, because these types of fences on bridges are very uncommon in general based on my observations, even on high-foot traffic bridges like those that carry dedicated hiking & biking trails. Any ol' guardrail will do.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: hotdogPi on February 26, 2022, 01:55:15 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 26, 2022, 01:51:38 PM
Sometimes? Based on what you provided, are these fences on bridges a southeast thing, because these types of fences on bridges are very uncommon in general based on my observations, even on high-foot traffic bridges like those that carry dedicated hiking & biking trails. Any ol' guardrail will do.

They're common in Massachusetts. (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7324556,-71.1910829,3a,75y,2.77h,87.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgtm9C9vHVynzUM-n6fqVcQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
High foot traffic? Where's the foot traffic in those GSVs?  Hell, where would they even walk from and to in at least 2 of those links?

Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 26, 2022, 01:51:38 PM
Sometimes? Based on what you provided, are these fences on bridges a southeast thing, because these types of fences on bridges are very uncommon in general based on my observations, even on high-foot traffic bridges like those that carry dedicated hiking & biking trails. Any ol' guardrail will do.

New Jersey usually will install fences - usually curved - on any overpass where there is a sidewalk or shoulder where pedestrians could be present.  They usually aren't installed on highways in which an overpass is over another roadway.

Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Rothman on February 26, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Time to throw this stuff in a tolbs compilation thread.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:13:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 26, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Time to throw this stuff in a tolbs compilation thread.

See the 1st response above by 1.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: dlsterner on February 26, 2022, 03:55:40 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 26, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Time to throw this stuff in a tolbs compilation thread.

Maybe title the compilation thread: "Inane observations about Roads and Bridges in North Carolina" ?

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:13:16 PM
See the 1st response above by 1.

In fairness to Tolbs, the response by 1 pointed to the "Traffic Control" board.  Tolbs' posts aren't limited to traffic control; perhaps a "tolbs compilation thread" in a more generic board, like "General Highway Talk"?
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Big John on February 26, 2022, 03:56:47 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 26, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Time to throw this stuff in a tolbs compilation thread.
Throw is correct as the primary reason for fences is to deter things from being thrown from the bridge.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: hotdogPi on February 26, 2022, 03:59:30 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 26, 2022, 03:56:47 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 26, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Time to throw this stuff in a tolbs compilation thread.
Throw is correct as the primary reason for fences is to deter things from being thrown from the bridge.

I had always thought they were to prevent people from throwing themselves off the bridge (i.e. to prevent suicide).
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:00:03 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 26, 2022, 03:56:47 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 26, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Time to throw this stuff in a tolbs compilation thread.
Throw is correct as the primary reason for fences is to deter things from being thrown from the bridge.

Like Mr. Highway?

Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
High foot traffic? Where's the foot traffic in those GSVs?  Hell, where would they even walk from and to in at least 2 of those links?
Depending on the time of the day, obviously. They would walk to their homes from the grocery store?

Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:11:12 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
High foot traffic? Where's the foot traffic in those GSVs?  Hell, where would they even walk from and to in at least 2 of those links?
Depending on the time of the day, obviously. They would walk to their homes from the grocery store?

What?
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:11:12 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
High foot traffic? Where's the foot traffic in those GSVs?  Hell, where would they even walk from and to in at least 2 of those links?
Depending on the time of the day, obviously. They would walk to their homes from the grocery store?

What?
Yes. Some people prefer to walk (or take their bike) instead of drive.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:22:52 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:11:12 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
High foot traffic? Where's the foot traffic in those GSVs?  Hell, where would they even walk from and to in at least 2 of those links?
Depending on the time of the day, obviously. They would walk to their homes from the grocery store?

What?
Yes. Some people prefer to walk (or take their bike) instead of drive.

Yes, the crowd that likes to walk limited access road grades?
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:23:40 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:22:52 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:11:12 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
High foot traffic? Where's the foot traffic in those GSVs?  Hell, where would they even walk from and to in at least 2 of those links?
Depending on the time of the day, obviously. They would walk to their homes from the grocery store?

What?
Yes. Some people prefer to walk (or take their bike) instead of drive.

Yes, the crowd that likes to walk limited access road grades?
Yes
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:27:31 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:23:40 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:22:52 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:11:12 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 26, 2022, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 26, 2022, 02:02:54 PM
High foot traffic? Where's the foot traffic in those GSVs?  Hell, where would they even walk from and to in at least 2 of those links?
Depending on the time of the day, obviously. They would walk to their homes from the grocery store?

What?
Yes. Some people prefer to walk (or take their bike) instead of drive.

Yes, the crowd that likes to walk limited access road grades?
Yes

So to clarify, your concern is about the lack of fencing on freeway and expressway overpasses of railroads even though they may not be intended for pedestrian access?  That's the gist we are getting from some of those Google images you posted coupled with your statement.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: skluth on February 26, 2022, 04:30:24 PM
Fences on bridges over freeways, rivers, and other roads has been normal wherever I've lived. I'd even call it standard, though I have no documentation. I've even seen bridges that are so fenced that it's like going through a Faraday Cage (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.2291111,-92.0159141,3a,75y,359.06h,83.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKvGKleURHuNDlGpeDyhaMg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en). I've lived in Wisconsin, St Louis MO, SE Virginia, and now So Cal. All the places I've lived in have been urban, so that may be a factor. Maybe it's a North Carolina thing.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 26, 2022, 04:33:31 PM
Quote from: skluth on February 26, 2022, 04:30:24 PM
Fences on bridges over freeways, rivers, and other roads has been normal wherever I've lived. I'd even call it standard, though I have no documentation. I've even seen bridges that are so fenced that it's like going through a Faraday Cage (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.2291111,-92.0159141,3a,75y,359.06h,83.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKvGKleURHuNDlGpeDyhaMg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en). I've lived in Wisconsin, St Louis MO, SE Virginia, and now So Cal. All the places I've lived in have been urban, so that may be a factor. Maybe it's a North Carolina thing.

Oh don't get me wrong, I agree it is normal for fences to be present on overpasses.  I just don't get how this is supposed to be a pedestrian feature with several of the examples given.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: US 89 on February 26, 2022, 05:24:59 PM
In my experience, pretty much every bridge fence I can think of meets one of the following two criteria:

1) It is immediately adjacent to a sidewalk or pedestrian path that sees a good deal of ped traffic, usually in a fairly dense urban area
2) It is on a bridge that crosses a railroad

I don't think I've ever seen fences on any bridge that didn't fit in one of those boxes. That said, there are way too many examples of bridges that meet one or both of those yet don't have a fence that it's silly to start listing them out.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: english si on February 27, 2022, 07:46:29 AM
Quote from: 1 on February 26, 2022, 03:59:30 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 26, 2022, 03:56:47 PMThrow is correct as the primary reason for fences is to deter things from being thrown from the bridge.
I had always thought they were to prevent people from throwing themselves off the bridge (i.e. to prevent suicide).
It's typically a bit of both. Arguably more the former than the latter, which is more just a bonus.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: SkyPesos on February 27, 2022, 01:50:24 PM
Quote from: US 89 on February 26, 2022, 05:24:59 PM
In my experience, pretty much every bridge fence I can think of meets one of the following two criteria:

1) It is immediately adjacent to a sidewalk or pedestrian path that sees a good deal of ped traffic, usually in a fairly dense urban area
2) It is on a bridge that crosses a railroad

I don't think I've ever seen fences on any bridge that didn't fit in one of those boxes. That said, there are way too many examples of bridges that meet one or both of those yet don't have a fence that it's silly to start listing them out.
Ohio (https://goo.gl/maps/P1G7NW8Zbqy5KwWo6) has (https://goo.gl/maps/wRfjvEwjGWS1GqVk6) plenty of (https://goo.gl/maps/2NrqQbU4UqDBi7Us8) rural (https://goo.gl/maps/qDHbg3Tu5d119rqFA) highway (https://goo.gl/maps/3huTXKkSnDXtbBzw7) overpasses (https://goo.gl/maps/Cz6pAwxACzTXcbiA9) that (https://goo.gl/maps/eTQ6wWEUpg4BUwKR7) have (https://goo.gl/maps/VKPxpKtvTbd6acbp7) fences (https://goo.gl/maps/uHQkNPL6GMtfq8EE8) and meet (https://goo.gl/maps/e4xUMhoFyYbY4pci9) neither (https://goo.gl/maps/paPaBDBLCb5NvFK68) of the (https://goo.gl/maps/nYsiEgbDDpmCQiJK8) criteria (https://goo.gl/maps/YuRUQLJU56BvvnaH8). And ODOT have ramped up efforts to place fences on freeway overpasses after a freeway overpass rock throwing incident (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Interstate_75_rock-throwing_deaths#Ohio_rock_throwing_death) in 2017.
Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: Mr_Northside on February 28, 2022, 03:23:41 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 26, 2022, 03:59:30 PM

I had always thought they were to prevent people from throwing themselves off the bridge (i.e. to prevent suicide).

In that regard, the first thing I thought of was the lack of fences on the northernmost section of the McKees Rocks bridge (near it's intersection with PA-65 (Ohio River Blvd).   There are fences where it passes over ALCOSAN (sewage treatment plant), but - actually on topic here - they didn't put them where it goes over a bunch of railroad tracks.

https://goo.gl/maps/c8xomdAwi7fAwy5u6

I imagine if it were a problem though, they'd put up fences there.

Title: Re: Sometimes there are no fences over a railroad or a bridge with high foot traffic
Post by: SectorZ on February 28, 2022, 04:13:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 26, 2022, 03:59:30 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 26, 2022, 03:56:47 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 26, 2022, 02:06:08 PM
Time to throw this stuff in a tolbs compilation thread.
Throw is correct as the primary reason for fences is to deter things from being thrown from the bridge.

I had always thought they were to prevent people from throwing themselves off the bridge (i.e. to prevent suicide).

Massachusetts is due to more than one person being killed by boulders being pushed off the edge of bridges. The final straw was the severe injury and death a few years later of a teacher in Tewksbury when I was quite young. The Trahan school (soon to be shuttered) was renamed in her honor.

http://homenewshere.com/tewksbury_town_crier/news/article_c8f5046e-db78-11e7-8d8f-c7c915aa7936.html