A new campaign to address the alarming frequency of bridge strikes across the state has been launched. The initiative, dubbed “Truckload of Trouble,” comes in response to recurring incidents, with the William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection in Morayfield identified as one of the most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year.
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The low rail bridge at William Berry Drive, with its 2.8m road clearance, has been a particular concern. In 2020, a vehicle collision with this bridge led to the suspension of all train services between Morayfield and Caboolture, highlighting the severe disruptions such incidents can cause.
There were 369 rail bridge or protection beam strikes recorded in the 2023/24 financial year and in 2023 alone, bridge strikes caused over 200 hours of rail delays.
The most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year are:
• Logan Road, Buranda
• North Street, Willowburn
• Bergin Street, Booval
• Oxley Road, Corinda
• William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection, Morayfield
Joanna Robinson, General Manager of Land Transport Safety and Regulation at TMR, emphasised the dangers associated with bridge strikes.
“Bridge strikes are dangerous. They’re dangerous for the driver of the over-height vehicle, they’re dangerous for train drivers and the passengers and they’re dangerous for other road users.
“Falling debris from the bridge can damage other people’s cars, or in worst case scenarios, serious injury, cause a road crash or kill someone.
The “Truckload of Trouble” campaign, a collaborative effort between TMR, Queensland Rail, and the Queensland Trucking Association, aims to increase driver awareness about the consequences of bridge strikes. It encourages drivers to be mindful of their vehicle’s height and load, and provides practical solutions for route planning to avoid low clearance bridges.
Queensland Rail’s Acting Head of SEQ, Rob Hill, highlighted the operational impacts of these incidents. “When there’s a bridge strike, rail traffic is halted, and our teams carefully inspect it to ensure it’s safe for trains to operate,” he said.
Gary Mahon, CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, called for increased education within the industry.
“Awareness about truck and bridge heights should be included in pre-start check lists, toolbox talks and trip planning. Truck drivers who are 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.”
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While low clearance bridges are equipped with warning signage and various protective measures, including protection beams and height chimes, the campaign stresses that ultimate responsibility lies with drivers to know their vehicle’s dimensions and plan accordingly.
Published 13-September-2024
