Truck Got Stuck

GPS Chaos: 20,000 Euros in Damage After Truck’s Wrong Turn

The truck got stuck near this bridge. The bridge was severely damaged.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

A truck driver trusted his GPS, was subsequently led off the A10 Tauern Autobahn, ended up in a small village in Carinthia, and destroyed a bridge there, which now had to be completely rebuilt. This isn’t the first time that semi-trucks weighing several metric tons have been routed through the village…

In fact, there is a ban on semi-trucks on the L11 Treffling State Road. Nevertheless, digital route planners repeatedly direct drivers along this narrow, winding route.

As has been reported repeatedly over the years, damage to houses and roofs, as well as damage to the road surface, is not uncommon. To prevent such wrong turns, the state of Carinthia erected a warning sign and a no-entry sign seven years ago.

The driving ban is indicated shortly after the highway exit.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

So far, to no avail. This sign is often overlooked—as was the case again this past spring. A low-slung car carrier weighing several metric tons was diverted from the Tauern Autobahn by its GPS system during the night and subsequently drove along the L11.

Local residents rushed to the driver’s aid
In the village of Perau in Gmünd, the Laster usually reach their final destination. This truck, too, got stuck on a bridge and caused massive damage to the left bridge pier, including the concrete-embedded railing. The local fire department and residents rushed to the scene and tried to help the distraught driver, who did not speak German.

The semi-truck, weighing several metric tons, got stuck during the night.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

After this incident, it was clear: The bridge, which had been damaged by the truck’s passage, must be repaired. “A total of 80,000 euros will be allocated for the renovation work,” according to the office of Deputy Governor and Director of Road Construction Martin Gruber (ÖVP).

Paving will begin as early as next week
Construction work has been underway ever since. “Traffic is currently being routed on one side of the road without traffic lights, as visibility is sufficient. For the planned paving next week, there will be a full closure for about one day.”

As part of the project, an additional 150 to 200 running meters of the road will be paved. “The portion of the damage amounting to approximately 15,000 to 20,000 euros will be covered by the at-fault party’s insurance,” the state reports.