Vehicles hitting UK bridges is a huge problem — and now, preventable
Louis Boroditsky — 22 February 2024
3 min read
08 October 2025
Every year, thousands of trucks hit bridges and tunnels that are too low for them to clear. These bridge strikes are not just dangerous—they are expensive, disruptive and preventable.
According to transportation authorities, bridge strikes cost millions annually in infrastructure repairs, traffic delays and insurance claims. Yet the underlying cause is almost always the same: human error and outdated navigation.
Truck drivers are under constant pressure—tight schedules, unfamiliar routes and the challenge of navigating complex urban environments. When drivers rely on consumer-grade navigation apps that don’t account for vehicle height, weight or cargo, the risk of accidents skyrockets.
The result? Costly mistakes like a recent one in Chicago, where a truck became wedged under a low-clearance bridge, blocking traffic for hours and causing significant delays.
At HERE, we believe bridge strikes should be a thing of the past. Our truck routing technology provides accurate, real-time navigation that factors in:
Vehicle dimensions and load restrictions
Bridge and tunnel clearances
Weight and hazardous material restrictions
Road closures and live traffic
By embedding HERE data and routing into fleet management systems, logistics operators and independent drivers can dramatically reduce the risk of bridge strikes—and the costs that come with them.
Fleet managers: Avoid costly damage and keep deliveries on schedule.
Logistics directors: Ensure compliance and reduce insurance claims.
Drivers: Stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
Public sector leaders: Protect infrastructure and improve road safety.
Bridge strikes aren’t limited to one city or one country. They happen everywhere commercial transportation operates. That’s why HERE’s scalable mapping and routing technology is designed to work globally, giving fleets and drivers the tools they need no matter where the road takes them.
Bridge strikes are common, costly and largely preventable. With smarter routing, powered by accurate location intelligence, fleets and drivers can keep roads safer, traffic flowing and costs under control. Want to see how it works? Explore our fleet routing solutions or get in touch with us to learn more.
HERE Technologies
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Use routing solutions that account for vehicle height, weight, and cargo type to avoid low-clearance routes and restricted roads.
HERE Technologies
Use routing solutions that account for vehicle height, weight, and cargo type to avoid low-clearance routes and restricted roads.
Louis Boroditsky — 22 February 2024
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