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ForestGump's avatar
ForestGump
Explorer
May 29, 2013

Trip to Alpine TX

We are planning a trip to a campground in Alpine TX. We will be traveling 10 east on to US 90. I have heard there are some pretty low bridges on the way in. Has anyone ventured down this road and are there issues with the bridges?
  • The obsession with low clearances on major highways is unfounded. The US standard is 13'6" and it is very doubtful that your RV, or any RV, is over that. You will never have a problem on an Interstate Highway. You will rarely have a problem on any Federal Highway (those with a "US" designation); any low clearances will have a well marked detour. Virtually all individual Sate Highways will also have a suitable detour marked where necessary. Venture onto county lanes there might be a problem but they probably will be marked as well.

    Remember that the tractor trailers that deliver goods to every nook and cranny in North America are probably taller or just as tall as your RV and they make it just fine.

    Your real concern with low clearances should be private canopies over some gas stations, bank drive thrus, etc.
  • I have traveled 90 many times pulling a 5er and do not remember any low bridges. It is a good road.
  • Alpine is one of the primary entries to Big Bend National Park. All manner of RV's and busses cruise all the area roads with no difficulty.
  • No problems with low bridges on that route, unless you are carrying the Space Shuttle on a flatbed trailer. They carry wind generator base sections through the area, much taller than any RV.
  • Lost Alaskan RV park in Alpine is a very nice place to stay. Make sure to drive west of Alpine to the 'Marfa Lights' Overlook site. The Marfa lights are mysterious, unexplained balls of light that appear to float in the desert.
  • Visit the local museum at Sul Ross State University. Excellent. Alpine also has great B-B-Q as well as local Tex-Mex. We will be there this fall! If you like the stars, check out the McDonald Observatory and their star parties--it is usually great--if the weather cooperates. Yes, Lost Alaskan in a very nice RV Park. Have a great trip--the roads are very good--no low bridges.