A major enforcement and education campaign is underway across South East Queensland, including key locations like Yeronga and Dutton Park, to tackle bridge strike caused by over-height vehicles.
Led by Queensland Rail, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), and the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the blitz follows 386 incidents over the past year that have caused significant damage to rail bridges and protection beams.
From 1 October 2023 to 10 October 2024, Yeronga and Dutton Park were among the locations identified as high-risk areas for bridge strikes, which is why they are part of the targeted enforcement campaign. Other locations like Wynnum and Rocklea are also included in the blitz.
Targeted Enforcement Across High-Risk Locations
During the two-week blitz, officers are stationed at high-risk locations, including Yeronga and Dutton Park, where they will stop drivers to check vehicle heights and ensure proper route planning. The goal is to prevent incidents before they happen by educating drivers about clearance limits and the risks of low-clearance bridges.
Queensland Rail senior manager Travis Cooper explained, “We’ve seen 101 bridges and 285 protection beams struck by over-height vehicles between October this year and last, and 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.”
Preventing Costly and Dangerous Incidents
NHVR operations manager Jarrod Wilson said, “These incidents not only pose a serious and potentially deadly risk to the driver and other motorists but can also cause costly damage to important infrastructure and create significant headaches for commuters and travellers.”
“Fortunately, these incidents are entirely avoidable by accurately measuring your load before you get behind the wheel, and thoroughly planning your route using the NHVR’s National Network Map.”
Penalties for damaging rail infrastructure are steep, starting at $1,290 and escalating to over $12,000 if the matter goes to court. Drivers may also face a dditional penalties for violating clearance signs or careless driving, making it crucial for drivers to follow the rules and take the necessary precautions.
Public Education and Awareness Efforts
As part of the campaign, high-visibility message boards have been set up in key areas like Yeronga and Dutton Park, along with a social media initiative titled Truck Load of Trouble, to raise awareness about the dangers of bridge strikes and promote safer driving practices.
Senior Sergeant David Wheatley from the QPS Railway Squad added, “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. During this bridge strike prevention blitz, we’ll be asking heavy vehicle drivers ‘how high is your vehicle and load?’ and then we will measure it.”
Transport and Main Roads general manager Joanna Robinson commented, “Bridge strikes are not only dangerous for the driver of the over-height vehicle, but they’re also dangerous for those using the train network and 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.”
Read: Yeerongpilly Line: A Forgotten Link in Brisbane’s Rail Network
The bridge strike prevention blitz will continue through December, with ongoing enforcement and education efforts aimed at reducing the frequency of bridge strikes and ensuring the safety of both road and rail users in areas like Yeronga, Dutton Park, and beyond.
Published 10-December-2024
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