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

A truck driver has been fined after being caught on camera crashing into a notorious rail bridge in Palmwoods. SEE THE VIDEO

A truck driver has been fined $1067 after smashing into a notorious rail bridge in Palmwoods.

Queensland Rail has released footage of the truck carrying machinery crashing into the protection beam at speed after driving past height clearance signage.

Police said the driver was fined for damage caused to bridge surveillance technology.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said they were immediately notified of the incident through motion sensors and CCTV technology.

She said the technology allowed Queensland Rail to inspect the bridge remotely to ensure train services could safely resume without delays.

It’s not the first crash footage has revealed another incident in May where truck crashed into the protection beam of the bridge.

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

A Department of Transport spokesman said while road safety was everyone’s responsibility, they were looking at installing further signage.

“All motorists should be aware of their surroundings and adjust their driving behaviour accordingly,” the spokesman said.

“However, as part of investigations to improve safety in the Palmwoods area, we are undertaking a review of the warning signs on the approaches to the low-level rail bridge.

“While the low-height clearance signs meet safety standards, we have identified opportunities for extra and more prominent signs to be installed on the underpass approaches.

“Once detailed investigations are completed, new warning signs will be designed and installed later this year.

Sunshine Coast Daily's Pave the way for Palmwoods campaign has resulted in a speed decrease in the town.

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

There were 13 instances of trucks crashing into 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.

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.