Queensland Rail warned truck drivers to pay close attention to bridge clearances

This notorious bridge was the first in Queensland to be fitted with a Structural Monitoring and Alert System after multiple truck strikes. It’s now been hit again. WATCH THE VIDEO

A Toowoomba rail bridge has claimed its third victim after a truckie underestimated its clearance and got his tail wedged underneath.

CCTV shot near the North Street crossing shows the mover attempting to clear the overpass about 6.25am on Friday.

While the driver gets under the bridge okay from the eastern side, it gets wedged while coming out the other side.

Queensland Rail released the CCTV to remind truck drivers to be aware of the height and load of their vehicles when approaching rail bridges.

One freight train was delayed due to the incident, with the truck severely damaged.

In 2020 an Elders truck became stuck under the bridge, followed by a Woolworths semi-trailer in 2021.

A Queensland Rail spokesman said Toowoomba’s North Street railway bridge was the first regional site to receive a Structural Monitoring and Alert System in 2023, which captures bridge strikes on camera in real time and can also measure the force of the impact.

The new alert system is backed by signage which clearly shows the bridge’s 3.5m clearance and it is up to drivers to know the height of their vehicle and take a detour if necessary.

In the past 12 months, there were 386 rail bridge and protection beam strikes across the Queensland Rail 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.

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.

Originally published as Queensland Rail warned truck drivers to pay close attention to bridge clearances