Safety improvements aimed at preventing bridge strikes by over-height vehicles have been completed along Onondaga Lake Parkway in the Village of Liverpool and Town of Salina, Onondaga County. The upgrades target a low-clearance railroad bridge owned by CSX, which has been the site of repeated incidents.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “Bridge strikes are a serious issue that require sensible safety solutions, and that’s exactly what we’re doing on the Onondaga Lake Parkway. These innovative new countermeasures being implemented, combined with new DMV regulations that go into effect next week, will further prevent bridge strikes along the Parkway, and make this highway safer for all users of the road.”
The enhancements include an upgraded over-height vehicle detection system with two sets of sensors in each direction. Vehicles must interrupt both beams to trigger alerts, reducing false alarms caused by factors such as birds or snow. LED signs now light up when an over-height vehicle is detected, displaying a “No Truck” symbol 750 feet eastbound and 950 feet westbound from the bridge. Permanent full-color Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards have also been added to alert drivers in real time.
According to New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, “No stone has been left unturned by the Department of Transportation when it comes to preventing bridge strikes along Onondaga Lake Parkway and across the state. While we remain steadfast in looking at every possible safety measure, we continue to emphasize the vital role that all drivers play in preventing bridge strikes — that includes professional commercial drivers to individuals renting a box truck for a weekend move. Before even setting foot into a truck cab, every driver should ‘Check Your Height, Know It’s Right.’ This simple step will go a long way in solving this persistent public safety issue.”
Traffic continues to be narrowed to one lane in each direction near the bridge using reflective devices to slow vehicles and give drivers more time to heed warnings. The northbound I-81 ramp (Exit 24A) remains closed until a permanent solution is found.
Annual data shows improvement: there were 11 bridge strikes in 2023, dropping to 7 in 2024 and slightly increasing to 8 in 2025.
New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles has announced stricter penalties for violations involving over-height vehicles or bridge strikes; starting February 16, these offenses will add eight points on offenders’ driving records—previously they carried no point penalty.
DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “Our job, and that of our traffic safety partners at the Department of Transportation and other members of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, is to make sure that New York’s roads are safe for all of us. Just like making sure you buckle your seat belt before driving, motorists need to be aware, before they set out, whether the truck or larger vehicle they are driving can fit under any bridges on their planned route, or whether they need to find an alternate route. Those few minutes can make the difference between a smooth trip or causing thousands of dollars in damage while disrupting thousands of other drivers in the process.”
For more than ten years New York State has taken steps such as banning commercial vehicles from certain stretches and installing enhanced signage alongside detection systems.
A social media campaign launched by NYSDOT—“Check Your Height, Know it’s Right”—has expanded beyond New York through collaboration with other states via the Eastern Transportation Coalition.
Onondaga Lake Parkway follows what was once a nineteenth-century canal route; today it serves as State Route 370 carrying more than 18,000 vehicles daily between Syracuse and nearby communities with access points including I-81 and Destiny USA mall.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said: “Bridge strikes pose a serious risk to the traveling public and the long‑term health of our transportation infrastructure. Since 2021, the Thruway system has experienced more than 370 bridge hits, including 73 in 2025. Like our partners at NYSDOT, the Thruway Authority is taking a proactive approach by implementing advanced detection technology across our 570‑mile system to identify over-height vehicles before they reach a bridge. We also support the New York State DMV’s new point system… These efforts reflect Governor Hochul’s and our shared commitment to safety and… responsible operation…”
State Senator Christopher Ryan remarked: “The Onondaga Lake Parkway bridge has been the site of far too many dangerous incidents… By investing in smarter detection technology and clearer warnings for drivers… I appreciate NYSDOT’s commitment…”
Assemblymember William Magnarelli added: “I am pleased to see… further efforts to help prevent strikes… This will help ensure… safety…” Assemblymember Pamela Hunter noted: “This bridge has become something of a local legend… but behind [that] is a very real safety issue…” City of Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens stated: “Ensuring…safety…remains a top priority… The implementation…marks a critical advancement…”
The New York State Department of Transportation continues its mission toward safer roads through ongoing measures targeting hazardous driving behaviors.