‘Big Penny’ Now Has Jaws and Keeps Catching Trucks

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Two eyes, sharp teeth and a whole lot of trucks: The Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge has collected dozens of victims over the years. The monster of a bridge on the east side of Lansing has a reputation, and it’s not a good one.

A spokesperson for the city of Lansing told 6 News they plan to ticket trucks stuck under the bridge.

Nicknamed “Big Penny” it is known for securing and damaging trucks. PJ Daly owns PJ’s Towing and knows Big Penny pretty well. He has towed truck after truck after truck.

“I bet it’s been 12 to 15 so far this year. I know there was a point where it was three in one day,” Daly said.

Daly says the logs get stuck under the bridge and can’t move at all.

“The trailer usually collapses the whole roof. And it will peel right back off like a can opener,” Daly said.

While 6 News was at the bridge, a truck carrying cars had to lower its back end to get through safely. Daly said one reason there are so many trucks stuck is because there are more novice truck drivers.

“I think there’s a shortage of help. I think there’s a lot of people that are inexperienced. They’re putting people in the trucks that aren’t necessarily qualified. They’re not aware of the height of the bridges and how high the vehicle is that they’re driving,” Daly said.

The bridge has a sign that says it is 12 feet high. Daly said a standard semi and some box trucks are 13 feet, 6 inches. He said all the construction in the city means drivers are taking unfamiliar routes.

“It’s tough to get through Lansing right now,” Daly said.

What should truck drivers do to avoid becoming a victim of Big Penny?

“When you drive over a bridge, there are always signs that tell you how high the bridge is. And know how high your vehicle is,” Daly said.

Daly reminds drivers that if they see a tow truck on the road, they should slow down and give the car some space so no one gets hurt.