Canada Bridge Clearance Checker
Search bridge heights, check clearances, and plan safe routes for your commercial truck across Canada
Your Truck Height
Standard height: 4.2m (13.78ft)
Standard height: 13.78ft
Height Measurement Tips:
- • Measure from ground to highest point (including roof equipment, AC units, antennas)
- • Account for tire pressure and load weight (suspension compression)
- • Add 0.3m (1ft) safety margin for clearance calculations
- • Typical semi-trailer: 4.1-4.3m (13.5-14ft) | Typical straight truck: 3.7-4.0m (12-13ft)
🔍 Search & Filter Bridges
Bridge Clearance Results (32)
CN Rail Bridge - Parliament St
Dufferin Street Bridge
Strachan Avenue Bridge
Gardiner Expressway - Spadina Ave
Turcot Interchange - CN Rail
Autoroute 20 - Rue Wellington
DVP - Eglinton Avenue
Autoroute 25 - Rue Sherbrooke
Pattullo Bridge
Autoroute 40 - Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Highway 7 - Kennedy Road
Highway 1 - Grandview Highway
Angus L. Macdonald Bridge
Highway 401 - Weston Road
Bishop Grandin Blvd - Pembina Hwy
A. Murray MacKay Bridge
Trans-Canada Highway - Main Street
Queen Elizabeth Way - Guelph Line
Lions Gate Bridge
Crowchild Trail - 16 Ave NW
Perimeter Highway - Route 90
Harbour Bridge
Second Narrows Bridge
Deerfoot Trail - 17 Ave SE
Ring Road - Albert Street
Pont Jacques-Cartier
Knight Street Bridge
Whitemud Drive - 111 Street
Circle Drive - Idylwyld Drive
Highway 2 - Memorial Drive
Anthony Henday Drive - 23 Ave
Pont Pierre-Laporte
⚠️ Bridge Strike Prevention
Know Your Height
Always know your exact vehicle height, including any cargo, equipment, or accessories on the roof. Height can vary with tire pressure and load weight.
Add Safety Margin
Minimum 30cm (1ft) clearance above your truck height. This accounts for road surface variations, suspension bounce, and measurement errors.
Watch for Warning Signs
Look for height restriction signs well in advance. Yellow warning signs typically appear 500m before low clearance bridges.
Plan Your Route
Use truck-specific GPS and route planning tools. Don't rely on car GPS systems that don't account for height restrictions.
When in Doubt, Get Out
If you're unsure whether you'll clear a bridge, stop safely and check. Never risk a bridge strike.
💥 Bridge Strike Consequences
Financial Penalties
- • Repair Costs: $50,000 - $500,000+ for bridge damage
- • Vehicle Damage: $10,000 - $100,000+ for truck/trailer repairs
- • Traffic Delays: Liability for road closure costs and emergency response
- • Fines: $5,000 - $25,000+ for careless driving/negligence
Legal & Safety Consequences
- • License Suspension: Serious violations can result in CDL suspension
- • Criminal Charges: Possible if injuries or major damage occurs
- • Insurance Impact: Premiums increase, possible policy cancellation
- • Career Impact: Difficulty finding future employment as driver
Bridge Strike Statistics
📏 How to Measure Your Truck
1. Park on Level Ground
Ensure truck is on flat surface with proper tire pressure
2. Measure to Highest Point
Include roof equipment, antennas, air conditioning units
3. Account for Load
Loaded trailers sit lower due to suspension compression
4. Post Height in Cab
Write clearly visible height reminder on sun visor
❌ Common Mistakes
Following Car GPS
Consumer GPS doesn't know your truck height
Ignoring Warning Signs
All low clearance signs must be taken seriously
Not Accounting for Equipment
Forgetting roof equipment adds fatal inches
Rushing Decisions
Take time to verify clearance when uncertain
🔗 Helpful Resources
🌐 Find Low Clearance Database External
Comprehensive low clearance bridge database for North America
🗺️ Truck Route Planner
Plan routes with height restrictions
📱 Mobile Apps
Truck-specific GPS applications
📊 Provincial Guidelines
Height restriction regulations by province
🚨 Report Bridge Issues
Contact authorities about clearance problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard bridge clearance in Canada?
Most modern highways in Canada have a minimum clearance of 5.0 meters (16.4 feet). However, older urban bridges, railway overpasses, and secondary roads may have clearances as low as 3.7 meters (12 feet). Always check specific routes before traveling.
How much clearance margin should I have?
Transport Canada and industry best practices recommend a minimum safety margin of 30 cm (1 foot) above your truck's actual height. This accounts for road surface irregularities, suspension bounce, tire pressure variations, and measurement uncertainties.
Are bridge clearance signs always accurate?
Clearance signs show the minimum clearance, which is typically measured from the road surface. However, signs may not account for road repaving that reduces clearance, or pavement conditions. Always err on the side of caution and maintain your safety margin.
What should I do if I'm not sure I'll clear a bridge?
Stop in a safe location before the bridge, get out, and visually assess the clearance. Check your truck's posted height against the bridge clearance sign. If in doubt, find an alternate route. Never attempt a bridge if you're uncertain - the consequences of a strike far outweigh the detour time.
Do I need special permits for oversized loads?
Yes. If your load exceeds provincial height limits (typically 4.15m in most provinces), you need an oversize load permit and must follow designated high-load routes with verified clearances. Permits also require advance notice to municipalities and may require police escorts.
Where are the most dangerous low bridges in Canada?
Toronto has several notorious low bridges, including the Gardiner Expressway at Spadina (4.1m), Dufferin Street Bridge (3.8m), and various railway overpasses. Montreal, Vancouver, and other major cities also have urban low clearance hazards. Use this checker tool to identify specific bridges on your route.
Plan Smarter Routes with Canada Tolls
Access our complete database of toll roads, weight restrictions, and route planning tools for commercial drivers.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This bridge clearance checker is provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, bridge clearances can change due to road work, repaving, or structural modifications. Always:
- • Verify clearances with official signage when approaching bridges
- • Check provincial transportation websites for current restrictions
- • Use certified truck GPS systems for route planning
- • Exercise professional judgment and prioritize safety
Canada Tolls is not liable for any damages, losses, or incidents resulting from the use of this tool. Drivers are solely responsible for ensuring their vehicle can safely clear all bridges and overhead structures on their route.