A major enforcement and education campaign is being rolled out across South East Queensland to combat bridge strikes by over-height vehicles.
Read: Oxley Road Bridge Among Queensland’s Frequent Strike Locations
Spearheaded by Queensland Rail in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS), the blitz aims to address the 386 bridge and protection beam strikes recorded over the past year.
From 1 October 2023 to 10 October 2024, rail bridges and protection beams were struck 386 times, with 101 incidents involving bridges and 285 impacting protection beams. Among the affected areas are Long Street in Chelmer, which recorded 12 strikes, and Oxley Road in Corinda, which saw nine incidents during this period.
Queensland Rail senior manager Travis Cooper highlighted a recent incident in Corinda where a car narrowly escaped being crushed after a truck became stuck, cautioning that future incidents might not have such a fortunate outcome.
Targeting High-Risk Zones
The campaign focuses on high-risk locations, including Wynnum, Yeronga, Dutton Park, Rocklea, Corinda, and Chelmer. Enforcement officers will be stationed at these hotspots over the coming weeks to monitor compliance and educate drivers. Drivers of heavy vehicles will be stopped and questioned about their vehicle heights and route planning to ensure they are following the rules.
Mr Cooper highlighted the dangers posed by bridge strikes. “Thankfully, no one has been seriously injured, but every strike carries that potential. Each incident can cause extensive delays and disrupt rail operations,” he said.
Preventable Incidents
NHVR operations manager Jarrod Wilson described bridge strikes as entirely preventable. “Drivers need to accurately measure their loads, know their vehicle height, and use tools like the NHVR’s National Network Map to plan their journeys,” he explained.
Penalties for non-compliance are severe. Fines start at $1,290 and can escalate to $12,904 in court cases involving significant damage. Additional penalties may apply for violating clearance signs or careless driving, making it imperative for drivers to adhere to regulations.
Education and Awareness
The blitz also includes public education efforts, such as high-visibility message boards placed at key locations and a social media campaign titled Truck Load of Trouble. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the consequences of bridge strikes and encourage safer practices.
Senior Sergeant David Wheatley from the QPS Railway Squad emphasized the importance of route planning. “We’re engaging with drivers to ensure they understand the risks and know their vehicle and load heights,” he said.
Transport and Main Roads general manager Joanna Robinson echoed this sentiment, urging drivers to prioritize safety. “Bridge strikes are dangerous and disruptive. By knowing their load height and planning their routes, drivers can help prevent these incidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the roads and rails.”
Read: Could Reopening the Tennyson Line Solve Brisbane’s Suburban Transport Issues?
The campaign will continue throughout December, aiming to reduce the frequency of bridge strikes and improve safety for road and rail users alike.
Published 10-December-2024
