The worst rail bridge strikes caught on camera

Footage of the southeast’s worst bridge strikes has been released along with details of the heavy penalties paid by the drivers who became stuck under railway bridges. WATCH THE FOOTAGE

At least one rail bridge is struck every week by a passing vehicle, resulting in wide spread delays and infrastructure damage- and hundreds of thousands of dollars being handed over by bad drivers.

Queensland Rail (QR) has revealed some of the most shocking rail bridge strikes in a bid to educate motorists on the importance of understanding their vehicle’s measurements.

According to QR, in the last three years there have been 253 rail bridge strikes – on average, one per week – across the southeast network.

Rail bridge strikes caught on camera. Picture: Queensland Rail

Not only are the strikes dangerous for the motorist, they can also be costly, with QR recovering over $203,000 in repair costs from those responsible.

According to QR Acting CEO Kat Stapleton, there have been over 1100 delays to services as the result of a bridge strike in the last three years alone.

“Bridge strikes are not only extremely dangerous, but they can have massive disruptions to our services,” Ms Stapleton said.

“These are avoidable, and we need to ensure that drivers also do their part. So when you get behind the wheel, when you get into unfamiliar territory – make sure you check the height and load of your vehicle and make sure you avoid our rail bridges.”

Ms Stapleton revealed QR has invested over $15 million in building protections in the last five years, including investing in prevention and detection – such as 43 rail cams installed throughout parts of the south east.

These cameras may be used to help track offenders, with road authorities revealing anyone caught doing the wrong thing could be sent to court.

Debris goes flying after a truck hit a beam at Dutton Park's Annerley Rd bridge. Picture: Queensland Rail

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said it’s crucial motorists were aware of their surroundings, reminding drivers of the hefty costs attached to doing the wrong thing.

“No one wants to have a fine, have demerit points and certainly no one wants to be pulled into that because it can be quite an embarrassing scenario that causes quite a lengthy amount of delays for everyone involved,” she said.

“Do your home work and take responsibility as a driver,” she said.

Drivers who strike a rail bridge could be slapped with a $1,102 fine and four demerit points, while if the matter goes further, a driver may have to pay over $11,000 in court.

On top of this, the driver is often pursued for damages.

In the last financial year, QR made record of 64 rail bridge strikes.

Of these strikes, Buranda station reported the highest number to one bridge, with the Logan Rd overpass recording nine incidents.

A truck becomes wedged after trying to pass under the Rocklea railway bridge on Muriel Ave. Picture: Queensland Rail

There was a total of 13 strikes at Corinda; however seven occurred at the Oxley Rd bridge, while a further five at the nearby Dunlop Tce bridge

Milton railway station also recorded five bridge strikes, while Palmwoods on the Sunshine Coast was struck four times.

Ms Ritchie said it paid to know the dimensions of your vehicle.

“It‘s always important to know your surroundings and to know your hazards regardless of what type of vehicle you are driving,” she said.

“If you are a truck driver it absolutely pays to know your height and limitations of your vehicle, if you are a car driver the same applies as well, particularly if you are carrying or strapping anything to the roof of your vehicle.”