The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Queensland Rail have launched a new campaign – ‘Truckload of Trouble’ – aimed at reducing the high number of rail and road bridge strikes across the state.
The ‘Truckload of Trouble’ initiative is aimed at increasing driver awareness around the consequences of bridge strikes, with over 200 hours of rail delays caused by incidents in 2023 alone.
In the 2023-24 financial year there were 369 rail bridge or protection beam strikes per day in Queensland, a small increase from the 360 strikes the year before.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon says pre-start checklists must start including bridge and truck height related checks.
“The ‘Truckload of Trouble’ campaign messaging is critical for all truck drivers delivering in SEQ, bridge strikes are avoidable,” Mahon says.
“Awareness about truck and bridge heights should be included in pre-start checklists, toolbox talks and trip planning.
“Truck drivers who are newly licensed, 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.
“For professional truck drivers, a bridge strike on your record is a black mark against you for future job opportunities, and there’s also embarrassment in having to tell your boss.”
Aside from the risk of damage and delays, motorists who damage rail infrastructure can be fined from $1290 and four demerit points, up to a $12,904 penalty if the matter goes to court. Queensland Rail also actively pursues motorists for the cost of repairs which would otherwise be passed onto taxpayers.
A driver who damages a bridge, tunnel or overhead structure may also be liable for other penalties such as contravening clearance signs ($645 fine and four demerit points) or $6452 if the matter goes to court, along with careless driving of a motor vehicle ($645 and three demerit points).
Queensland Rail Acting Head of SEQ Rob Hill has called on heavy vehicle drivers to be aware of their height in comparison to bridges on their routes.
“We’re pleading with drivers of large vehicles like trucks, caravans or loaded trailers to plan their route, obey the road signs and signals and know their height,” Hill says.
“Bridge strikes are extremely disruptive. Recently we had a strike at Allan Terrace Corinda which resulted in 103 train delays and 35 train cancellations.
“Every strike has the potential to cause harm to drivers and the public. They are completely avoidable if drivers pay attention and plan their route.”
TMR Land Transport Safety and Regulation General Manager Joanna Robinson discussed the safety risks 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,” Robinson says.
“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.
“They also cause hundreds of hours of delays every year not only to the vehicle involved, but to rail customers, other road users and other truck drivers.
“What that really looks like is – a parent being late to their child’s concert or school pick-up, someone missing an important doctor’s appointment, other truck drivers having to find alternate routes due to detours meaning new permit applications, petrol costs and more.”
The most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year were:
- Logan Street, Buranda
- North Street, Willowburn
- Bergin Street, Booval
- Oxley Road, Corinda
- William Berry Drive/Visentin Road connection, Morayfield
In the instance of a road bridge strike, it should be immediate reported to 13 90 40. For a rail bridge strike, it should be reported to Queensland Rail using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge or by calling Emergency Network Control on 1800 079 303.
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