Queensland Rail has partnered with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to drive down the number of rail bridges being struck by road vehicles.
The three organisations will conduct enforcement and education action at bridge strike hotspots around South East Queensland for a fortnight through to the first week of December.
The blitz is part of the arsenal to keep trains running on time and community members safe, following 386 strikes to rail bridges and protection beams in a 12-month period.
Officers will be on the ground at Wynnum, Yeronga, Corinda, Chelmer, Dutton Park and Rocklea and will physically stop drivers as they approach the most struck bridges in the region.
Information boards have also been placed at key locations to help educate the public about the consequences of bridge strikes.
Drivers 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.
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 $6,452 if the matter goes to court, along with careless driving of a motor vehicle ($645 and three demerit points).
Drivers are being asked to know their vehicle height, plan their route and obey the road rules.
Travis Cooper, Queensland Rail Senior Manager of Security and Emergency Preparedness said 101 bridges and 285 protection beams have been struck by over height vehicles in the 12 months from October 2023.
“While, thankfully, no one has been seriously injured – every strike has that potential,” he said.
“When an over height vehicle strikes a rail bridge, we have to stop trains to assess the damage – and that can mean the difference between our customers getting home to their families or extensive delays.
“We’re trying to stop these incidents happening at the source – asking drivers to know their vehicle and load height before they find themselves injured, red-faced and wedged under a bridge.”
Jarrod Wilson, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Operations Manager South Northern Region said the message is clear and simple – know your truck, know your height, and know your route.
“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,” said Wilson.
“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.”
Rail bridge strikes should immediately 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.