Bridge strikes cost Queenslanders 200 hours in rail delays last year, as the network deals with more than one a day.
A new campaign has been launched in an attempt to reduce the large number of road and rail bridge strikes across the state, like the ones featured in the video at the end of this story.
Transport and Main Roads Department Land Safety Transport Safety and Regulation General Manager Joanna Robinson said the “Truckload of Trouble” initiative was a joint-campaign alongside Queensland Rail and the Queensland Trucking Association.
Ms Robinson said the campaign was aimed at increasing driver awareness around the consequences of bridge strikes to themselves and others, encouraging drivers to know their load and vehicle height and provide practical solutions to plan their route and avoid low clearance bridges.
She said there has been a consistently high rate of bridge strikes over the last two years, with an average of one bridge or protection beam strike per day.
“In the 2023/24 financial year, there were 369 rail bridge or protection beam strikes recorded with 360 the year before.
“In 2023 alone, bridge strikes caused over 200 hours of rail delays.”
Ms Robinson said the most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year were:
- Logan Road, Buranda.
- North Street, Willowburn.
- Bergin Street, Booval.
- Oxley Road, Corinda.
- William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection, Morayfield.
She said low clearance bridges were fitted with signage and many featured measures ranging from protection beams to height chimes.
“Apart from causing serious risk to road users and delaying passenger trains, motorists who damage rail infrastructure can be fined from $1290 and four demerit points, to a $12904 penalty if the matter goes to court.”
Queensland Rail Acting Head of SEQ Rob Hill said Queensland Rail actively pursued motorists for the cost of repairs which would otherwise be borne by taxpayers.
Mr Hill said a driver who damaged a bridge, tunnel or overhead structure may also be liable for other penalties such as contravening clearance signs ($645 fine and 4 demerit points) or $6452 if the matter goes to court, along with careless driving of a motor vehicle ($645 and 3 demerit points).
He said in the instance of a road bridge strike, it should be immediate reported to 13 90 40.
“For a rail bridge strike, it should 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.”
Mr Hill said when there was a bridge strike, rail traffic was halted and teams carefully inspect the bridge to ensure it’s safe for trains to operate.
“Bridge strikes are extremely disruptive. Recently we had a strike at Allan Terrace Corinda, which resulted in 103 train delays and 35 train cancellations.
“We’re pleading with drivers of large vehicles, like trucks, caravans or loaded trailers, to plan their route, obey the road signs and signals and know their height.”
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said the campaign messaging was critical for all truck drivers delivering in SEQ as bridge strikes were avoidable.
Mr Mahon said awareness about truck and bridge heights should be included in pre-start check lists, toolbox talks and trip planning.
He said truck drivers who were newly licenced, new to driving around the city or hiring a truck, must be provided with information on bridge and truck heights to avoid these preventable incidents.
“For professional truck drivers, a bridge strike on your record is a black mark against you for future job opportunities. And there’s also embarrassment in having to tell your boss.”
