Footage of strikes this year have been released by Queensland Rail. To watch the video, click on the button at the bottom. Image: supplied
For the second time this year, Qld Rail has gone public with a message to tall vehicle drivers to avoid striking rail bridges and protection beams.
A new campaign is now under way this month to prevent these strikes; there were 386 strikes last year and 124 so far this year (to April 30), the rail operator says.
The campaign is a joint effort between Qld Rail, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) and will involve targeted enforcement and education activities at key rail bridge locations across South-East Queensland.
The campaign runs this month and involves police officers checking trucks and vehicles with high loads to ensure drivers know their height and have a planned route to avoid getting stuck under a bridge.
There will also be signed messages on air fresheners, key rings, in-cab stickers and on the rail operator’s website and social media pages.
Qld Rail General Manager of Security Drew Brock says rail bridge strikes are 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,” he points out.
“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.”
He says there are three reasons for these strikes.
“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,” Brock points out.
“That’s why we’re working with NHVR and QPS to get the message across loud and clear: know your truck, know your height and know your route.”
REGULATOR SPEAKS
NHVR’s southern Qld operations manager Jarrod Wilson echoes that sentiment.
“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,” he says.
“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.”
POLICE CHECKS
Queensland Police railway squad tactician David Wheatley says these strikes are a serious safety issue for everyone on the roads.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility; we’ll be actively monitoring bridge strike hotspots and holding drivers accountable,” the senior sergeant says.
“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.”
Top five bridge and protection beam strike locations in 2024
- Muriel Avenue, Rocklea – 66
- Annerley Rd, Park Road – 38
- Dixon St, Wulkuraka – 35
- Allwood St, Indooroopilly – 34
- Pine St, Wynnum – 33
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Low clearance bridges have signs and many feature measures ranging from protection beams to height chimes.
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Qld Rail will pursue individuals who damage rail infrastructure to recover cost of repairs.
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Rail bridge strikes should immediately be reported to Qld Rail using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge or by calling their emergency network control on 1800 079 303.
