Syracuse, N.Y. — The city of Syracuse is planning to install a “clanker system” to try to stop trucks from hitting the Park Street bridge.

The project, set to begin midway in 2026, will involve hanging a line of heavy rubber buoys ahead of the bridge at the same height. If an over-height truck approaches, it will strike the buoys, creating a loud noise intended to alert the driver before they reach the bridge, according to Connor Muldoon, the city’s chief operating officer.

City officials began exploring the clanker system idea after seeing it used successfully in Delaware, Muldoon said.

Clearance under the CSX railroad bridge is 12 feet 2 inches. Tractor trailers are typically 13 to 14 feet high.

The bridge was hit five times in 2020 and 2021, four times in 2022, nine times in 2023, 1

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