Why Lansing’s “Big Penny” Bridge Keeps Wrecking Trucks And What It Means for Drivers

If you’ve spent any time driving through Lansing, you’ve probably heard of the “Big Penny”, the city’s infamous Pennsylvania Avenue railroad bridge with a reputation for destroying trucks. With a clearance of just 12 feet, it has become a magnet for crashes, earning viral status and even a bit of dark humor from locals. But behind the jokes and memes are real accidents, serious property damage, and potential injuries for drivers, passengers, and bystanders. In this post, we’ll explore why the Big Penny bridge keeps causing crashes, who may be liable, and what legal options you have if you’re hurt in one of these all-too-common collisions.

What Is Lansing’s Big Penny Bridge?

Nicknamed the “Big Penny” by locals, the Pennsylvania Avenue railroad overpass is one of Lansing’s most notorious landmarks, not for its architecture, but for its appetite for trucks. Located near the Potter Park Zoo and spanning a busy section of Pennsylvania Avenue, this low-clearance bridge has earned a reputation as a “truck-eater” due to the sheer number of vehicles that collide with it. The bridge sits just 12 feet above the roadway, well below the height of many commercial trucks and box vehicles. Over the years, it has become a viral fixture in local media and even Google Maps, where it’s labeled as a cultural landmark.

Despite the lighthearted name, the Big Penny is no joke for drivers. It’s been struck dozens of times by overheight vehicles, often leading to major traffic backups, extensive damage, and even injuries. Understanding what makes this bridge such a frequent crash site is the first step in preventing future accidents and holding the right parties accountable when they do happen.

A Brief History of the Pennsylvania Avenue Overpass

The Pennsylvania Avenue bridge, now known citywide as “Big Penny,” was constructed in 1928 by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, one of several rail lines that ran through Lansing during the early 20th century. At the time, a 12-foot clearance was standard for many underpasses, but as truck designs evolved and vehicle heights increased, the bridge became increasingly outdated and dangerous.

Despite countless collisions and decades of complaints, the structure has remained largely unchanged. Because the bridge is owned and maintained by the railroad (not the city), modifying its height would require an extensive and expensive reconstruction process, one that Lansing and state officials have long deemed impractical.

As a result, the city has been forced to work around the problem with warning signs, height detectors, and other traffic interventions, none of which have stopped the crashes entirely. Today, the bridge stands not only as a piece of Lansing’s infrastructure history but also as a glaring symbol of what happens when old design meets modern traffic.

Why Do So Many Trucks Crash Into the Bridge?

Despite clear signs and local awareness, the Big Penny bridge continues to catch truck drivers off guard, sometimes multiple times in a single day. The reasons go beyond simple driver error. Many of these crashes involve out-of-town drivers, commercial vehicles on tight delivery routes, or trucks guided by GPS systems that don’t account for low-clearance hazards.

Here are the most common reasons trucks end up stuck or damaged under the bridge:

Even with recent improvements like flashing overheight warnings and overhead detectors, some drivers miss the alerts or assume their truck will fit. In high-traffic areas like Pennsylvania Avenue, one small mistake can lead to a major backup or a totaled vehicle, sometimes both.

Crash Timeline: Real Incidents at the Big Penny

The Big Penny bridge isn’t just a local punchline, it’s a repeat crash site with a long history of serious (and costly) collisions. According to recent reports, the bridge has been hit over 70 times since 2004, including 17 crashes in 2024 alone. On one day in June 2024, it was struck three times within a 24-hour period, a testament to how persistent and dangerous the problem has become.

Below is a snapshot of some of the most notable and recent incidents:

Most of these incidents result in traffic delays, structural evaluations, and sometimes injuries to drivers or nearby motorists. Each crash also carries a financial cost from towing and clean-up to repairs and insurance claims. And yet, without a structural overhaul, these collisions are almost certain to continue.

Who Is Liable When a Truck Hits the Big Penny?

Liability after a crash at the Big Penny bridge isn’t always straightforward. While it might seem obvious to blame the driver, the reality is that multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. In some cases, the trucking company could be liable for poor routing or lack of training. In others, the city or even third-party contractors may bear some fault especially if signage or detection systems were obstructed, malfunctioning, or absent.

Here’s a breakdown of who could be held legally responsible after a crash:

If you’re involved in a truck accident near the Big Penny in Lansing, identifying the at-fault party is crucial for pursuing compensation. Our Lansing truck accident lawyer can help investigate the facts and hold the right parties accountable when negligence plays a role.

What If You’re Injured Near the Big Penny Bridge?

While many bridge strikes result in property damage alone, some crashes cause real harm especially when other vehicles are involved. A falling trailer, flying debris, or a multi-vehicle pileup caused by sudden braking can lead to serious injuries for drivers, passengers, or nearby pedestrians.

Victims of these accidents may suffer:

If you were hurt in a car accident near Big Penny in Lansing due to a chain-reaction crash or sudden stop, you may have a valid claim. for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These claims often involve complex insurance disputes, multiple parties, and finger-pointing between city officials and commercial carriers.

That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced Lansing personal injury lawyer who understands how to handle high-profile, multi-party crash cases and protect your legal rights.

Can Cars and Motorcycles Be Affected Too?

Although the Big Penny bridge is most infamous for wrecking trucks, its hazards don’t stop there. Cars and motorcycles are often secondary victims of these collisions, especially when a crash causes sudden stops, debris, or blocked lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Common dangers for smaller vehicles include:

Motorcyclists, in particular, face heightened risks. Unlike enclosed vehicles, they have no barrier to protect them from road debris or chain-reaction crashes caused by a blocked route. Even a low-speed impact can lead to severe injuries like fractures, road rash, or head trauma. Sudden swerving, debris, or tight traffic can put motorcyclists at serious risk near the bridge, especially if they’re caught behind a stuck or overturned truck.

If you were injured while driving near the bridge, whether you were in a car or riding a motorcycle, speak with a Lansing car accident lawyer or a Lansing motorcycle accident lawyer to explore your legal options and make sure your rights are protected.

What Lansing Is Doing to Prevent More Bridge Strikes

In response to the persistent collisions at the Big Penny bridge, the City of Lansing has implemented several safety measures aimed at reducing incidents:

Despite these efforts, the bridge continues to be a hazard for overheight vehicles. The city is exploring additional measures to enhance safety and prevent future incidents.

Final Thoughts: Safety Tips and Legal Help

Lansing’s Big Penny bridge has become a symbol of outdated infrastructure clashing with modern traffic and despite every warning sign, trucks continue to fall victim. For local drivers, the real concern isn’t just the bridge itself, but the ripple effect these collisions can have on everyone around them.

Whether you’re operating a commercial truck, commuting through Pennsylvania Avenue, or riding your motorcycle nearby, here are a few ways to stay safe:

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving the Big Penny bridge, whether as a truck driver, car occupant, or motorcycle rider, you may have a right to pursue compensation. Determining who’s at fault isn’t always simple, but our legal team can help you sort it out and fight for what you deserve.

Contact The Clark Law Office today to speak directly with a lawyer who handles serious injury cases, not a case manager or call center. We serve accident victims throughout Lansing and mid-Michigan.

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