The protection of the Historic Michigan Street Bridge, from potential damaging accidents like the most recent truck and backhoe incident, needs to be addressed. It is important for serious measures to be taken at the City, County, and State levels, to come up with a solution, that would warn vehicles with height issues, before getting to the bridge. Such measures are important regardless of the fact that the recent inspection revealed no imminent danger structurally, and weight restrictions were lifted. There has been significant investment by all parties, to restore and give normal use to this significant historic icon; it is our job to protect it. Simple, inexpensive, effective solutions exist. Right now, there should at least be flashing signs at the approaches warning of height clearance. I have included some examples here and here of warning systems used elsewhere.
Thank you. Shawn Fairchild