New system would warn truckers about 'low' overpasses on major highways

New York is one step closer tonight to having an emergency alert system for trucks that are driving on parkways they shouldn't be on.

State officials are just about ready to test detection systems on 3 highways on Long Island.

If it works truck drivers will be warned to stop before they crash into an overpass.

"Trucks that impact our bridges can damage our bridge they cause long delays to motoring public and it could lead to injuries not only to truck drivers but to those vehicles following the trucks," said Emilio Sosa with the New York State Department of Transportation.

So what could be more clear than a sign flashing in your face telling you to stop. The state Department of Transportation is testing out a system on Long Island.

They used an overheight truck to show how it all works at the entrance ramp to the Northern State Parkway off route 106/107.

There are infrared sensors which detects the height of the truck. There's one here and there's one just across the ramp.

If a truck trips the system the sign lights up.

"It also communicates to our in phone transportation management center or our operators will confirm that there has actually been an intrusion and will contact state police," adds Sosa.

Who will then come to assist the truck off the ramp if the driver hasn't already gotten out of the way.

Sosa says, "There are locations where we'll put an asphalt pad and have the truck pull over and there are locations where there is just no room and we're just trying to keep them from striking the bridge."

If the system works like it should you will soon be seeing this not only on the island but throughout the boroughs and Westchester.