In a quirky turn of events, predicting the next transport truck collision with the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge in Fredericton could earn you a reward. The city has confirmed that the bridge on Waterloo Row has been struck by transport trucks 15 times in less than 20 years, with the most recent incident occurring on Friday.
Following two trucks hitting the bridge within three days back in September, local businesses decided to offer prizes for individuals who could forecast the timing of the next accident. New England Pizza Company, located just a short walk away from the bridge, pledged a $100 gift card for multiple winners.
Chris Babineau, the owner, expressed surprise at the quick occurrence of the next collision, which led to over 20 winners and counting. Sorting through hundreds of shared posts and thousands of comments, Babineau estimates that the incident on Friday has already translated into over $2,000 worth of free pizzas.
As a former truck driver himself, Babineau shared an anecdote of avoiding a similar mishap in 2021 when he recognized that his vehicle wouldn’t fit under the bridge. He emphasized the presence of ample signage to alert truckers of the low clearance, noting that most drivers involved in accidents are unfamiliar with the area.
The City of Fredericton reiterated the warning signs in place for truckers approaching the underpass and attributed most collisions to driver error or incorrect GPS information. Chad McGarity, owner of Traffic Zone Signs and Supplies, also engaged in the prize-giving trend by offering a $150 gift card and a custom sign for predicting the next accident date.
McGarity sees the contest as a marketing strategy for his business while also aiming to raise public awareness. He suggested the possibility of enhanced signage or flashing lights, or even restricting truck access to the road to prevent future incidents.
Despite the playful nature of the contest, the city assured that regular inspections are conducted on the bridge and do not foresee any structural issues arising from truck collisions. Babineau, overwhelmed by the massive engagement in his contest, humorously proposed penalties such as a cheeseless mushroom and pineapple pizza for participants who attempted to edit their comments to win.
The community involvement and creativity surrounding the bridge-related contest have sparked a buzz in Fredericton, showcasing a blend of humor and concern for public safety.
