Bridge strike crisis forces major taskforce as hit count soars

There have already been more than 100 rail bridge strikes across Queensland in 2025, with the blame being passed on to inexperienced truck drivers and sub-par GPS systems. SEE THE FOOTAGE

Inexperienced truck drivers relying on inadequate GPS systems are being blamed for a spike in high-impact strikes on low-clearance rail bridges across South East Queensland.

There have been 124 rail bridge strikes in the first five months of 2025, prompting Queensland Rail, Queensland Police Service and the Australian Trucking Association to set up a joint taskforce to address the problem.

Truckies attempting to go under bridges far lower than their vehicles has caused significant traffic chaos across the southeast, and in a recent instance near Ipswich caused the closure of a major road for days.

Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said human error was largely to blame. This included inexperienced drivers of small vans relying on their phone’s GPS—which may not point out low-clearance bridges.

There have been 124 rail bridge strikes in the first five months of 2025, prompting Queensland Rail, Queensland Police Service, and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) to set up a joint taskforce. Picture: Queensland Rail

“Railway bridge strikes often involve drivers who are not regular operators, such as those hiring vans,” he said.

“We’ve had very little positive response from those mapping providers about warning systems for those roads.”

Queensland Rail data shows there were 398 rail bridge or protection beam strikes in 2024, which was up on the 363 in 2023.

Queensland Rail southeast acting head Rob Hill said other road users risked being harmed by flying debris during rail bridge strikes. Motorists would also be delayed while Queensland Rail - as per requirements - assessed any damage to rail infrastructure before traffic could flow again.

“Where significant damage has occurred, this may include repair works being required prior to reopening,” he said.

A truck crashed into the rail bridge on Oxley Rd Corinda in October 2024 - Photo Steve Pohlner

Mr Hill said drivers could avoid fines and embarrassment by knowing their vehicle height, load and planning routes.

A spokeswoman for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator said it had a zero-tolerance approach to preventable bridge strikes.

‘These incidents pose a serious safety risk to both the driver and other motorists, and have the potential to create significant traffic delays, disruptions for rail commuters and costly damage to infrastructure,” she said.

The southeast’s most frequently struck bridges in the 2023-24 financial year were at Logan Rd in Buranda, North St in Willowburn west of Ipswich, Bergin St in Booval (Ipswich), Oxley Rd in Corinda and the William Berry Drive/Visentin Rd connection in Morayfield.

Originally published as Bridge strike crisis forces major taskforce as hit count soars