Trucking news and briefs for Monday, April 22, 2024:
Bridge repairs to alter traffic patterns on I-87 in New York
The New York State Thruway Authority is beginning a project on four I-87 bridges that will impact traffic patterns through next summer.
The bridges are the Thruway bridge over Kaaterskill Creek (milepost 111.13) NB and SB, and the Thruway bridge over the Catskill Creek (milepost 113.22) NB and SB.
The bridges are located between exit 21 (Catskill/Cairo, NY Route 23) and exit 20 (Saugerties/Woodstock, NY Route 32). More than 33,000 motorists travel in this area daily and both bridges were built in 1955.
As part of the project, concrete repairs will be made to the deck, which will then be covered with a waterproof membrane and asphalt wearing surface. Repairs will also be made to the existing bridge railing systems and bridge drainage.
All traffic on both bridges was shifted to the NB side for work on the SB bridges on April 18. Work on the NB bridges is expected to take place in 2025. The entire project is expected to be complete in Summer 2025.
[Related: Long-term I-840 lane closure]
Autocar trucks recalled for three separate issues
Three separate recalls initiated by Autocar LLC involves hundreds of Autocar DC (Legend) trucks, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The largest of the three recalls affects approximately 597 model year 2020-’24 DC trucks -- the wiring harness in those impacted may route fusible links too closely to other components. During a short circuit, the fusible link may ignite nearby material, increasing the risk of a fire. The company said “a manufacturing error” resulted in the issue.
Dealers will repair or replace the harness to include proper circuit protection, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6. Owners can contact Autocar customer service at 888-218-3611 with recall number DC-2404. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-264.
A second recall, affecting approximately 398 model year 2020-’24 Autocar DC units, is due to an issue with the hazard warning lights. The recall states the hazard warning lights may not function independent of the ignition switch. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6. Owners can contact Autocar customer service with recall number DC-2402. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-262.
Finally, approximately 41 model year 2022-’23 Autocar DC dump trucks are being recalled because the upper hoist cylinder mounting pin may fail.
“Based on Autocar's current analysis, the upper hoist cylinder mounting pin configuration and material specification does not support the working loads,” the recall states.
A pin failure can allow the hoist to fall, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, the hoist cylinder can disconnect from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6. Owners can contact Autocar customer service with recall number DC-2403. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-261.
[Related: Recall hits 29K Freightliner, Western Star trucks]
