A spate of crumpled trucks, wedged machinery, frustrated rail customers and red-faced drivers has prompted a new Queensland Rail campaign to stop over height vehicles from striking rail bridges.
Footage of real-life bridge and protection beam strikes has been released to support the campaign – a confronting reminder of the very real consequences when drivers get stuck under a rail bridge.
In one clip a delivery truck crumples like cardboard, in another an excavator is scraped clean off the tray and onto the road. In some incidents, pedestrians and other motorists are just metres away – narrowly avoiding tragedy.
There were nearly 400 rail bridge and protection beam strikes last year and 124 so far this year (to the end of April), with each incident risking serious injury to drivers and other road users as well as having the potential to cause extensive rail delays for customers.
To support the new campaign, Queensland Rail is teaming up with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) to launch targeted enforcement and education activities at key rail bridge locations across South East Queensland.
The joint initiative, in operation throughout June, sees officers conducting checks on trucks and vehicles with high loads to ensure drivers know their height and have planned their route to avoid ‘getting their truck stuck’.
The message is being reinforced with new signage featuring crushed trucks and squished machinery on air fresheners, key rings, in-cab stickers and across Queensland Rail’s website and social media pages.
Queensland Rail General Manager of Security Drew Brock said rail bridge strikes were a serious issue with far-reaching safety and reliability impacts.
“Every time an over height vehicle hits a rail bridge, we stop trains to inspect it for damage — this means customers can’t get to their destinations on time and vital freight is delayed,” Mr Brock said.
“With the potential of flying debris or in some cases dislodged machinery there’s also the enormous safety risk posed to drivers, other road users and nearby pedestrians following a bridge strike.
“What we’re seeing is that many drivers are simply not aware of their vehicle’s height, aren’t paying attention to signage, or are taking routes unsuitable for their loads.
“That’s why we’re working with NHVR and QPS in this joint action to get the message across loud and clear: know your truck, know your height and know your route.”
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Jarrod Wilson echoed the importance of education and enforcement to tackle the growing issue.
“Road safety is always the number one priority of the NHVR, which is why we are proud to partner with Queensland Rail and the Queensland Police Service on this important operation,” Mr Wilson said.
“Bridge strikes are not merely accidents - non-compliant vehicles pose a serious safety risk to other motorists, along with the potential damage to public infrastructure and major network disruptions.
“These incidents are also entirely preventable, and it is why our message to all heavy vehicle drivers and operators is simple– know your truck, know your load, and know your route.
“Remember to always measure the height of your load, use the NHVR’s Route Planner, and check your load at scheduled stops to ensure it hasn’t shifted.”
Queensland Police Service Railway Squad Tactician David Wheatley said bridge strikes were a serious safety issue for all road users.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, we’ll be actively monitoring bridge strike hotspots and holding drivers accountable,” Senior Sergeant Wheatley said.
“We’re also having conversations with drivers about why they selected this particular route to try and understand what planning is being undertaken prior to these journeys.”
For more information visit Queensland Rail’s campaign website.
Additional information:
Low clearance bridges are fitted with signage and many feature measures ranging from protection beams to height chimes.
Queensland Rail actively pursues individuals who damage rail infrastructure to recover costs.
Rail bridge strikes should immediately be reported to Queensland Rail using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge or by calling Emergency Network Control on 1800 079 303.
Top five bridge and protection beam strike locations in 2024
|
Muriel Avenue, Rocklea
| 66
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Annerley Road, Park Road
| 38
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| Dixon Street, Wulkuraka | 35
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| Allwood Street, Indooroopilly | 34
|
Pine Street, Wynnum
| 33
|
ENDS