Why do Trucks Keep Getting Stuck Under the Bill Thorpe Bridge?

Following separate accidents on September 17th and 19th, two transport truck drivers received traffic offenses after lodging their vehicles under the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. Another truck struck the bridge on October 17th. These incidents have triggered community discussions. 

 

Despite a prominently displayed sign that warns drivers about the 3.5 meters clearance under the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, transport trucks have gotten stuck under the bridge fourteen times since 2007 according to the City of Fredericton. 

 

The recurring nature of the crashes has amused many residents. On October 17th, Fredericton local James Mullinger took to Facebook, alerting people of the latest accident with a video captioned “Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge just claimed another victim.”

 

Commenters largely poked fun at the incident, with one user saying:

 

“I’ve been watching trucks get stuck under that bridge since the 1980’s, LOL.” 

 

Others asserted the bridge might just be a magnet for bad luck. One person commented:

 

“That bridge is cursed.”

 

Even Chris Babineau, the owner of New England Pizza Company, joined in on the discussion. He decided to entertain the buzz surrounding the bridge by offering a $100 gift card to whichever Fredericton local could guess the date of the next truck getting stuck under the Bill Thorpe. 

 

To Babineau’s shock, the competition received immense engagement with over 2000 guesses, 23 of which correctly predicted that the next incident would occur on October 17th:

 

“The competition started with friendly banter between me and my girlfriend … I said, ‘I bet that [another accident involving the bridge] won’t happen again this year,’ and she [bet that it would] … so we posted the challenge on Facebook … [and] 23 people guessed the right day, so we gave out 23 gift cards.” 

 

Babineau shared that before owning New England Pizza, he worked as a truck driver across Fredericton. 

 

“All the local drivers understand their truck will not fit under the bridge … The problem is the out-of-town drivers. They rely on Google Maps rather than a truck-specific GPS … so it takes them the fastest way, rather than the truck-friendly way.” 

 

He further explained additional stressors associated with driving in unfamiliar areas:

 

“[The truck drivers] are in an area they’re not familiar with … they’re likely not paying attention to signage or the road ahead … They are just trying to make sure they’re heading in the right direction.” 

 

Still, Babineau asserts that:

 

“They should have enough common sense to realize their truck is not going to fit under the bridge … It’s ridiculous.” 

 

It’s safe to say the incidents involving Bill Thorpe have offered the community some entertainment, and in the case of New England Pizza, some unorthodox marketing opportunities and community engagement as well. 

To join the fun, follow New England Pizza Company on Facebook or visit them at 612 Union Street. If you have any Bill Thorpe stories, send them to Sharkie through editor@thebruns.ca!