The Government of New York in the US is set to install new vehicle detectors that will prevent over-height vehicles from entering Long Island parkways in order to avoid accidents and bridge strikes on low parkway overpasses.

As part of the project, the detectors will be installed at 13 locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Commenting on the initiative, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “Every bridge strike is not only a danger to the motorists and passengers involved, but also exacerbates the very serious traffic problems that Long Islanders experience every day.

“With the installation of these detectors, we are moving this region’s parkways into the 21st century with state-of-the-art technology designed to prevent these bridge strikes and improve the safety and reliability of these vital roadways.”

The detectors will be installed at the top of the ramp and will relay an invisible beam at a specific bridge clearance height.

“At the State Department of Transportation, safety is our top priority and we strive to utilise modern technology to keep our roads safe for all users.”

Whenever an over-height vehicle is entering, the beam will break triggering a warning message on a full colour LED variable message sign display to alert the respective driver of the possible bridge strikes ahead.

A camera connected to the New York State Department of Transportation’s regional traffic management centre will record the incident.

State Department of Transportation acting commissioner Paul Karas said: “At the State Department of Transportation, safety is our top priority and we strive to utilise modern technology to keep our roads safe for all users.

“Preventing trucks from entering the parkways before striking a low bridge will improve safety for Long Islanders for many years to come.”

The over-height detector systems will be placed on specific locations where trucks are known to make improper entries to the parkways.