Queensland Rail has issued a reminder for truck drivers in the state to know the height and load of their vehicle following a recent incident of a truck striking a rail bridge in Toowoomba.
Queensland Rail head of regional Scott Cornish has asked drivers to be aware of their height and load after a heavy vehicle hit a rail bridge on April 4 at North St, Toowoomba.
The incident saw one freight train delayed and severe damage to the truck, with the North Street railway bridge in Toowoomba being the first regional site to receive a Structural Monitoring and Alert System in 2023 to capture bridge strikes on camera in real time.
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The new alert system is supported by signage which clearly shows the clearance of the bridge at this location is 3.5 metres and it’s up to drivers to know the height of their vehicle and take a detour if necessary.
Cornish says a 12-month period saw 386 rail bridge and protection beam strikes across Queensland Rail’s network.
“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,” he says.
“Queensland Rail is asking drivers to avoid all that cost, danger and embarrassment by knowing your height, planning your route and obeying the road rules.
“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.”
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