The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has launched the new, Truckload of Trouble’ campaign, aimed at tackling the alarming number of road and rail bridge strikes across Queensland.
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The campaign aims to increase driver awareness around the consequences of bridge strikes to themselves and others, encouraging drivers to know their load and vehicle height and provide practical solutions to plan their route and avoid low clearance bridges.
Over the last two years, there has been a high rate of bridge strikes, with an average of one bridge or protection beam strikes per day, with 369 strikes recorded in the 2023/24 financial year.
In 2023 alone, bridge strikes caused over 200 hours of rail delays.
TMR general manager land transport safety and regulation Joanna Robinson says over-height vehicles not only damage infrastructure, but they lose their loads and risk hitting other road users.
“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,” she 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.”
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon says the Truckload of Trouble campaigns messaging is critical for all truckies and a bridge strike on your record can affect future job opportunities.
“Trucking companies, truck rental companies and businesses using trucks to deliver in and around the city have a responsibility to educate drivers,” he says.
“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.”
Low clearance bridges are fitted with signage and feature measures ranging from protection beams to height chimes.
Apart from causing serious risk to road users and delaying passenger trains, motorists who damage rail infrastructure can be fined from $1,290 and four demerit points, to a $12,904 penalty if the matter goes to court.
Queensland Rail actively pursues motorists for the cost of repairs which would otherwise be borne by 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 4 demerit points) or $6452 if the matter goes to court, along with careless driving of a motor vehicle ($645 and 3 demerit points).
The campaign is a joint initiative between TMR, Queensland Rail and the Queensland Trucking Association in a fresh plea for drivers to know their height and plan their journey.
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
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