Pave the way for Palmwoods: MP says new signs possible for rail bridge

A Sunshine Coast rail bridge where many drivers have come to grief could soon be upgraded with additional safety signage.

A notorious rail bridge in a Palmwoods could soon be upgraded with additional safety signage after several vehicles crashed into it in the past few months.

The rail bridge, near the Woombye Palmwoods Road, Margaret Street and Jubilee Drive intersections, has been a point of concern for residents who fear a fatal crash could happen if the area isn’t upgraded.

It comes after Sunshine Coast Daily launched the Pave the way for Palmwoods campaign to improve road safety in the town including the notorious intersection at the rail bridge.

Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said things were being done to solve the town’s traffic woes.

“I’ve been talking to Minister Bailey about our local traffic issues in Palmwoods since I was elected,” he said.

“Our community has had a small win with the reduced speed limits slowing traffic last month, so that’s a good start.”

Nicklin MP Rob Skelton says lowering the speed limit in the main street of Palmwoods has been a good change for the town.

The State Government agreed to reduce the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h along Margaret Street, from east of the Chevallum Road intersection to west of the post office earlier in June as a result of the campaign.

Further safety measure appear to be on the way with the State Government confirming permanent pedestrian crossings could soon be introduced.

“The last update I had from Transport and Main Roads is that they were planning on coming back to talk to the community about concept designs for pedestrian improvements through town later this year,” Mr Skelton said.

As for the bridge itself, shocking footage was recently showed a truck hitting the bridge protection beams at speed after driving past height clearance signage.

Queensland Rail released footage from the Margaret Street rail bridge in Palmwoods showing a truck driver crashing into the protection beam at speed on May 21.

Queensland Rail released the footage after the May 21 crash.

Photos then emerged of yet another truck crashing at the intersection only weeks later.

There were 13 instances of a truck coming into contact with the Woombye-Palmwoods Road rail bridge at Palmwoods recorded in 2020, including one bridge strike and 12 strikes to the protection beams, according to transport department figures.

A truck hit the Palmwoods rail bridge on June 21, damaging an excavator.

Mr Skelton said the department was aware of the issues.

“They’re also looking at whether or not some more warning signs should be placed on approaching roads to highlight the height limits for vehicles,” he said.

Queensland Rail launched the Size Matters campaign last year, which aimed to prevent rail bridge crashes by reminding motorists to know the height of their vehicle and load and plan their journey ahead.

Motorists who damage rail infrastructure can be fined up to $1067 and lose four demerit points.

Queensland Rail says it pursues motorists for the cost of repairs which would otherwise be borne by taxpayers.

If the matter goes to court, the maximum penalty for causing damage to rail infrastructure is $10,676.