In Lansing, Michigan, a bridge famous for “devouring” trucks has received a whimsical update, now adorned with googly eyes and teeth. Known locally as Big Penny, this bridge is notorious for claiming unsuspecting trucks and RVs that overlook its low clearance of 12 feet, which is lower than the height of most large rigs pulling trailers.
An anonymous artist, along with their partner, has decorated Big Penny with playful googly eyes and styrofoam teeth, featuring sharp canines. This playful update serves both as a cautionary measure for drivers and a source of amusement, as reported by WILX. The artists seem to be in on a longstanding joke within the City of Lansing, which has seen numerous truck trailers and RVs lose their tops or sustain damage while attempting to pass under the low bridge. What could be more fitting for a bridge that “eats” trucks than a pair of silly eyes and a set of large fangs?
Although officially named the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge due to its location on South Pennsylvania Ave. near Potter Park Zoo, it has garnered the unofficial moniker of “Big Penny, the Truck Munching Bridge.” This humorous title is even illustrated in a clever photoshop rendition of Lansing’s welcome sign, which the city may well consider adopting officially.
According to local reporters, the artist explained that the googly eyes and foam teeth are attached with adhesive, allowing for easy removal if necessary. These new decorations join a host of other unofficial signs around the bridge. One such sign displays the number of victims claimed by Big Penny: 72. This year alone, the bridge has caused damage to 19 trucks and RVs, as noted on the bridge’s Facebook page. While the bridge has existed since 1928, most reported incidents have occurred since 2004.
On average, 18-wheelers and their trailers can reach heights of 13.5 feet, while Big Penny offers only 12 feet of clearance. To alert drivers, Lansing police have installed a device that detects the height of approaching trucks and flashes a warning saying “Truck too high” for those exceeding 12 feet, as stated by WILX. Additionally, “Low Clearance” signs are prominently displayed, yet Big Penny continues to attract new victims every year.
The artists believe that the playful face added to Big Penny may help distracted drivers notice the bridge and avoid collisions. It’s reportedly common in Lansing for drivers of large vehicles to miss warning signs. While the googly eyes and teeth make the bridge more noticeable, it seems likely that Big Penny will continue to claim its share of roofs and RVs.
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