Queensland Rail releases vision after truck crashes into rail bridge at Palmwoods

A truck has been caught on camera crashing into a notorious rail bridge in Palmwoods at speed. SEE THE VIDEO.

Shocking footage has been released of a truck hitting a notorious rail bridge in Palmwoods at speed after driving past height clearance signage.

Queensland Rail has released the footage more than a month after the crash on Friday, May 21.

Rail workers have inspected a protection beam on the bridge and reported no damage.

But the outcome hasn’t stopped authorities from venting their frustration at the “completely avoidable” collisions.

Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said through motion sensors and CCTV technology, Queensland Rail was immediately notified of the incident and was able to inspect the bridge remotely to ensure no significant damage had occurred, safely resuming train services without delays.

“As part of a $15.4 million program across southeast Queensland, this location received a protection beam helping to guard the bridge from impacts,” he said.

“This adds to the installation of incident recording technology at 43 locations that is allowing Queensland Rail to resume trains as quickly as possible through automatic alerts and remote CCTV inspections.

“These incidents are completely avoidable, with height clearance signage and advance warning signage clearly displayed across all Queensland Rail network bridge infrastructure.”

His comments come after another truck crashed into the protection beam of the bridge just last week.

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

A Queensland police spokeswoman said a crane was called in to help recover the truck, which was carrying an excavator and traffic control was in place for more than an hour.

It’s understood that driver had been issued an infringement notice

The crash 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.

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 last month as a result of the campaign.

The State Government has installed 40km/h speed limit signs in the main street of Palmwoods after community pressure through the Pave the way for Palmwoods campaign.

Residents however have continued to vent their frustration about the bridge and the lack of visibility while using Margaret Street, Jubilee Drive and Chevallum Road intersections.

There were 13 instances of trucks 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.

Last year, Queensland Rail launched the Size Matters campaign, which aimed to prevent rail bridge collisions 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 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.