South-East Queensland’s rail bridges are being hit more than once a day, on average, prompting an on-the ground response at the region’s hotspots. (WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW)
Queensland Rail (QR) Senior Manager of Security and Emergency Preparedness Travis Cooper said there had been 386 strikes to rail bridges and protection beams in the 12 months to October.
Mr Cooper said QR would partner with QPS Railway Squad Officers and members of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) in a targeted blitz at known bridge strike hotspots around South East Queensland.
“The blitz is part of the arsenal to keep trains running on time and community members safe,” he said.
“The crackdown gets underway this week and will run for the fortnight, with officers physically stopping drivers as they approach the most struck bridges in the region.”
Mr Cooper said officers will be on the ground at Wynnum, Yeronga, Corinda, Chelmer, Dutton Park and Rocklea.
He said information boards had also been placed at key locations to help educate the public about the consequences of bridge strikes.
“Drivers who damage rail infrastructure can be fined from $1290 and four demerit points, to a $12,904 penalty if the matter goes to court.
“A driver who damages a bridge, tunnel or overhead structure may also be liable for other penalties such as contravening clearance signs, along with careless driving of a motor vehicle.”
Mr Cooper said 101 bridges and 285 protection beams had been struck by over height vehicles between October this year and last.
“While, thankfully, no one has been seriously injured – every strike has that potential.
“Just last month we saw a car narrowly miss being crushed after a truck got wedged at Corinda – next time maybe we won’t be so lucky.”
Blitz locations: bridges and protection beam strikes Oct 2023-Oct 2024:
- Muriel Ave, Rocklea 64.
- Annerley Road, Dutton Park 40.
- Pine Street, Wynnum 27.
- Long Street, Chelmer 12.
- Oxley Road, Corinda 9.
- Park Road, Yeronga 4.
