Melbourne bridge most hit by trucks revealed
IT will come as no surprise that Montague St’s notorious bridge is Melbourne’s most-struck, but a new trouble spot is on the rise in Melbourne’s west.
VIC News
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RAIL and tram bridges continue to be struck by high vehicles at an alarming rate across Melbourne, with new figures showing the Montague St and Napier St bridges still top of the hits parade.
Racecourse Rd in Flemington has also become a new trouble spot as trucks rip down tram lines at two locations, causing traffic chaos.
And in Camberwell, one Toorak Rd business has been struck several times by trucks or buses trying to do U-turns to avoid an upcoming low bridge.
New figures for the past two years reveal more than 60 reported bridge strikes with Montague St bridge hit 20 times.
The tram bridge in South Melbourne which has a 3m clearance for vehicles has been hit more than 110 times in total.
‘JERK DRIVERS’ MAKING LIFE HELL FOR BRIDGE
A height detection gantry was installed last May but at least two vehicles have still become stuck.
In Footscray, the rail bridge over Napier St has been whacked 18 times in the past two years, leading to protection barriers being installed earlier this year.
Trams going under rail bridges have been halted on Racecourse Rd because high vehicles have brought down tram lines at two locations 750 metres apart — one at Newmarket station and one near Flemington Bridge and the CityLink tollway above.
The bridge strikes often result in overhead lines being ripped down, shutting off services for the No 57 for hours on end, adding to traffic chaos and disruption.
Navigational systems which don’t contain bridge heights are believed to be part of the problem for drivers.
Sometimes, the bridge is not even hit but damage still occurs. In February, a city-bound B-double from interstate was filmed on dashcam approaching Newmarket bridge in Flemington, but when turning right to avoid it brought down overhead tram lines.
In Camberwell, trucks that are reversing to avoid Hartwell Bridge on Toorak Rd have hit the offices of Melbourne Extensions and Designs several times.
Damage to the business’s building has occurred twice in the past six months alone.
Yarra Trams spokesman Simon Murphy said that 75 per cent of Melbourne’s tram network operated in a shared road space.
“Significant disruptions can occur when bridges are struck or overhead tram power wires are damaged by high vehicles.
“We continue to work with our on-road partners, including VicRoads, to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles throughout the city.’’
Metro Trains spokesman Marcus Williams said passengers were frustrated when drivers of high vehicles don’t take appropriate care.
“We have strict processes to ensure the safety of rail bridges when they are hit,’’ he said.
“Our structural inspectors attend every bridge collision and normal services only resume once they have declared it is safe to do so.’’
BRIDGE STRIKES 2015-2017
Montague St, Sth Melbourne 20
Napier St, Footscray 18
Merri Parade, Northcote 5
Racecourse Rd, CityLink overpass 5
Racecourse Rd, Newmarket/Flemington 4
Wantirna Rd, Ringwood 5
Mt Alexander Rd, Essendon 2
Spencer/Flinders Sts 2
Bedford Rd, Ringwood 2
Source: Metro Trains, Yarra Trams
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