Trucks higher than 4.6m will trigger alerts if they try and enter Burnley and Domain tunnels from August 5.
A new detection system to prevent trucks higher than 4.6m from entering Melbourne’s tunnels will be introduced next month in a bid to reduce damage to infrastructure.
CityLink will flick the switch on its new electronic detection system on August 5 for the Burnley and Domain tunnels.
Trucks with loads higher than 4.6m will automatically trigger speed limit reductions, lane closures, a red light and boom gates when approaching the tunnels.
The system will cause traffic to stop and allow CityLink crew to escort the overheight vehicle to the closest ramp.
Such an incident is expected to last up to 15 minutes, CityLink spokeswoman Ayllie White says.
“We think the short delay when the new warning system is triggered will be far less disruptive than the alternative of allowing the vehicle into the tunnel which can result in hours of delays while we repair smashed signs, broken lights and hanging cables,” White says.
“More importantly it will ensure the safety of everyone travelling through the tunnel.”
CityLink crew will be able to attend an incident within five minutes, she adds.
Eleven trucks have struck CityLink’s tunnels in the past year, causing extensive damage to overhead signage, lighting and other roof mounted infrastructure.
Victorian roads minister Terry Mulder says the events have caused delays and cost the community millions of dollars.
Those caught breaching overheight restrictions face a $512 fine, including court penalties.
CItyLink has worked closely with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) to educate drivers about the issue.
VTA CEO Neil Chambers has welcomed the introduction of the detection system and says operators need to plan their routes accordingly.
“Complacency is no longer an option,” Chambers says.
“Despite all of the existing warning signs, the previous overheight warning indicators and public education campaigns, CityLink experiences an overheight vehicle incident once a month on average.
“This is still far too many and when major damage is caused all of the travelling public and freight industry suffer considerable delay and financial loss.
“While there will be delays by the activation of the new system if an overheight vehicle is detected, it should be far less of a delay than if that truck caused major damage and delay,” he adds.
CityLink already has an extensive warning system in place to identify and warn trucks that exceed height limits, its road operations manager Peter Doran says.
“There are electronic warnings several kilometres out from the tunnel, overhead barriers with yellow and black paddles which cause a loud sound when hit by trucks more than 4.7 metres high and the radio system ordering trucks to stop once they are in the tunnel,” Doran says.
VicRoads road operations director Dean Zabrieszach says while many truck drivers do the right thing, it is disappointing that some fail to get the message.
“To continue through the tunnels with a truck over the 4.65 metre height is selfish, risks injury to other drivers and damage to the tunnels and drivers could face major fines or legal action,” Zabrieszach says.
“And let’s not forget that it is not just the tunnels that sustain this kind of damage. We have regular incidents of overheight trucks hitting railway bridges and the like, causing frustrating costly and avoidable delays to Melbourne motorists.”