29 May 2009: Queensland: Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 29 May 2009

Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today.

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called for immediate action to stop road users causing chaos with the rail network, and for the Government to get serious about bridge strikes.

Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Yesterday on the QR Citytrain network more chaos from bridge strikes and motorists disregarding road rules and smashing into boom gates.  It is time that something was done!  Enough is enough."

"Heavy vehicles, buses and trucks must stop at all unprotected level crossings immediately and only proceed if safe to do so."

"We call on the Queensland Government to take decisive actions today before there is another disaster."

Attached to this release are earlier releases for information.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


For all RAIL Back On Track Media Releases please visit http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=19.0


====================================

Media Release 16 May 2009

Queensland:  Level crossing safety actions and enforcement needed today

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said that the continuing pandering to road users concerning level crossings has now reached crisis point.  Road vehicle drivers are still regularly breaking road rules at level crossings. They don't care!

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Train crew, train passengers and road vehicle drivers and their passengers need immediate protection."

"The latest report of a school bus failing to stop as directed at a rail crossing (1) just further highlights inaction on recommendations that arose out of the investigation in 2008 of a fatal school bus level crossing collision between Dalby and Chinchilla on the 5th June 2008 (2)."

Listed immediately below are a number of recent statements from RAIL Back On Track concerning level crossing safety and enforcement:

9 May 2009: Queensland: It is time - call for automatic licence suspension ...
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2246.0

16 Apr 2009: Queensland: Time for level crossing action
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2140.0

1 Jan 2009: Queensland: Passengers want action concerning railway crossing ...
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1718.0

"Enough is enough.  Will it take another level crossing disaster before the authorities act?"

References:

1.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/15/2572088.htm
2.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/16/2393501.htm?site=southqld

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

===========================

Media Release 18 February 2009

Queensland:  Time for action to stop bridge strikes

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called for the implementation of a policy that works to eliminate rail and road bridge strikes by heavy road vehicles.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Yesterday, yet another heavy vehicle was jammed under the rail bridge at Corinda which crosses Oxley Road.  Clearly, the present system of drivers theoretically knowing the travelling height and width of their vehicle before they start a journey is not working.  Warning signs are ignored."

"Warning devices on the approaches to over bridges should be mandatory, and with today's electronic and satellite navigation systems further back up warning alerts are possible."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues."

"The serious risk is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life."

"The disruption to the transport network that follows these bridge strikes is costly for the community.  We call on Queensland Transport to snap into gear and address the problem of bridge strikes with some urgency."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail  click here!

Boom gate crash halts train

Boom gate crash halts train
Article from: The Courier-Mail

May 29, 2009 08:35am

A CAR has driven into a railway boom gate at Banyo on Brisbane's northside, halting a train which then hit the gate.

The accident happened at the Vincents Rd crossing.

A Translink spokesman said an inbound train was held up for 20 minutes, apparently after running over the boom which landed on the track.

It is the second incident in two days involving a car and boom gate after a similar incident at Lawnton yesterday caused massive delays.

[ozbob]

Goodness!  Time we got serious!!

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Bit of 'editorial licence' in this article, still it has caught the attention of readers.

Stop signs for boom gates to halt crashes, say rail users

Stop signs for boom gates to halt crashes, say rail users
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

May 29, 2009 08:35am

A RAIL users lobby group is demanding stop signs at all level crossings after a car smashed into boom gates this morning - the third incident in a week.

A car  drove into a railway boomgate at Banyo on Brisbane's northside this morning, halting a train which then hit the gate.The accident happened at the Vincents Rd crossing.

A Translink spokesman said an inbound train was held up for 20 minutes, apparently after running over the boom which landed on the track.

It is the second incident in two days involving a car and boom gate after a similar incident at Lawnton yesterday caused massive delays.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow called on the State Government to put stop signs in place at level crossings, so motorists are not caught out by lowering boom gates.

"Yesterday on the QR Citytrain network more chaos from bridge strikes and motorists disregarding road rules and smashing into boom gates. It is time that something was done. Enough is enough,'' he said.

"Heavy vehicles, buses and trucks must stop at all unprotected level crossings immediately and only proceed if safe to do so.

"We call on the Queensland Government to take decisive actions today before there is another disaster."

Blog comments:

An unprotected crossing is one without booms or gates. What we said was that heavy vehicles be required to stop at unprotected crossings. This happens in many other jurisdictions already. This follows from failures of drivers to fail to hear the warning bells and not see the flashing lights because of glare. Clearly in the absence of gates/booms it is not a safe situation. Following the bus incident in Dalby last year there was a recommendation for all school buses to stop at unprotected crossings. This has still not been acted upon. Experts made those recommendations.

See early post. Increased penalties, active enforcement including red light cameras and ongoing education. Ultimately road/rail separation is the only fail safe solution.

Good to see the interest in this important issue. Thanks for highlighting the story CM.

Three things:

Increased penalties. The present $300 fine and the loss of a few demerit points is a joke

Increased enforcement: Active patrolling and red light cameras.

Continue the education of all road users, including pedestrians and bicycle riders.

The only fail safe solution in the end is road rail separation.

[ozbob]

Media Release 30 May 2009

Queensland:  Level crossings - clarification

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has constantly called for Governments to actually bite the bullet and take real decisive action to sort out the appalling attitudes of all road users ; drivers, pedestrians and bicycle riders,  with regard to rail crossing safety.  Blatant disregard of directions to stop has caused death, injury and significant costs to the community.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Following the distribution of a media release concerning level crossing safety yesterday morning, there was yet another incident of boom gates being struck in Brisbane (1).  There was some confusion in the interpretation of that release.  We have never suggested that 'stop signs be placed at crossings with boom gates'."

"We have consistently suggested there needs to be comprehensive approach to this issue."

"This includes:

a.  Increased penalties for breaches. The present $300 fine and the loss of a few demerit points is a joke.

b.  Increased enforcement: Active patrolling and red light cameras at crossings.

c.  Continue the education of all road users, including pedestrians and bicycle riders.

d.  Continued improvements at and on approaches to level crossings including standard traffic lights.

e.  Heavy vehicles be required to STOP at unprotected crossings and proceed when safe to do so."

"An unprotected crossing is one without booms or gates. What we said was that heavy vehicles be required to stop at unprotected crossings. This happens in many other jurisdictions already. This follows from reports of drivers of trucks to fail to hear the warning bells and not see the flashing lights at crossings because of glare. Clearly in the absence of gates/booms it is not a safe situation."

"Following the fatal school bus incident in Dalby last year there was a recommendation made for all school buses to stop at unprotected crossings. This has still not been acted upon. Experts made those recommendations."

"The only fail safe solution in the end is road rail separation. This won't be achieved so again we call on decisive Government action today!"

Reference:

1.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!


http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2009/06/17/581656/bread1-420x0.jpg
A bread truck has become wedged beneath a bridge in Brisbane's west. Photo: ABC

Bread truck stuck beneath rail bridge

Bread truck stuck beneath rail bridge

Marissa Calligeros
June 17, 2009 - 8:02AM

A bread truck which came to grief beneath a rail bridge in Brisbane's west early this morning, is not expected to be removed for several hours.

Police said the four-tonne truck became wedged beneath the rail bridge at the intersection of Long Street East and Kitchener Street in Graceville about 4.10am, causing traffic woes in the area.

Although the crash has caused some damage to the rail the bridge, CityTrain services through Graceville are operating as normal.

The female truck driver was not injured.

The eastbound lane of Long Street East has been closed, although the westbound lane is open.

A Brisbane Traffic Management Centre spokeswoman said the westbound lane of Long Street would be closed when it came time to remove the truck.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area if possible.

I was on board EMU86, the sweeper from Oxley 6.37am run through at normal speed.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
17/02/2010

$1 million to improve safety at low-level bridges

Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan has announced a $1 million program to improve safety near low-level rail bridges in Southeast Queensland.

Ms Nolan said the State Government had committed $1 million to provide additional protection measures at a selection of high-priority low-level bridge sites.

"In the past 10 years there have been 301 incidents of vehicles striking rail bridges at 45 locations on the South East Queensland Rail Network," Ms Nolan said.

"No significant structural damage has occurred to a rail overbridge, nor has a train been derailed as a result of a road vehicle strike.

"However, they cause significant delays for commuters and road users while the vehicle is removed and the bridge is inspected to ensure safe operation," she said.

"Rail bridge strikes are a driver-behaviour issue and I urge drivers to be aware of the impact of unsafe behaviour on others and themselves."

QR recently completed an interim study of all low-level bridges in South East Queensland and identified potential protection measures to reduce bridge strike incidents.

Additional analysis will be required to identify the high-priority low-level clearance bridges and the type of additional protection measures required.

"Recommendations from this analysis should be available in late March, and implementation works are targeted to be completed by the end of 2010," Ms Nolan said.

There are 109 rail overbridges on the SEQ network.

All rail overbridges with a clearance of 5.3 metres or less have some form of protection measure, such as reflectorised advance-warning signs, keep-left signs, hazard markers and height gauges.

All low-level rail bridges with a clearance less than 4.6 metres are identified with "Low Clearance" signs showing the height of the bridge.

==============================================================

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breafast

Bus stuck under rail bridge

30 March 2010 , 9:28 AM by Spencer Howson

This morning, rail services between Chelmer and Graceville were halted after a bus became stuck under the Long Street East bridge in Graceville. The bus has been moved and train services have resumed.

Michael lives in Graceville and says the warning signs approaching the bridge are covered with vegetation:

Click --> here!

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/linestatus.php?3

# Major disruption - last updated Monday 19th April 2010 5.53am


Services on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast line are delayed up to 30 minutes due to truck accident at the rail bridge at Rocklea.

Services are suspended both inbound and outbound at Rocklea whilst this area is being investigated.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Train chaos, lines closed

Train chaos, lines closed
COURTNEY TRENWITH
April 19, 2010 - 6:53AM

An accident involving a truck carrying avocados is causing traffic and rail chaos for commuters between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and Beenleigh this morning.

The semi-trailer slammed into a rail bridge at Rocklea, becoming stuck, about 6am, police said.

All trains between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and Beenleigh were stopped until the area could be declared safe.

Trains resumed about 6.25am but two inbound and four outbound trains are running about half-hour late, Translink said.

Long delays have been cleared for cars around Sherwood Road and Muriel Avenue at Rocklea, police say.

However, the truck remains stuck and other trucks and large vehicles are unalble to pass.

[#Metro]

 

[Golliwog]

You see photos of some of these incidents, and you look at it, and all you can say is "How did you even think you would fit through there?!"

[ozbob]

Another variation ... Tunnel strike!  Oh dear, oh dear ..

From the Sydney Morning Herald click here!

Major traffic delays after M5 east tunnel ceiling damage

Major traffic delays after M5 east tunnel ceiling damage
GLENDA KWEK
May 8, 2010 - 12:22PM

Major delays are expected after a truck caused "significant damage" to the M5 east tunnel ceiling this morning, police say.

The eastbound lanes of the tunnel will be closed for about 12 hours, after the cargo of a truck carrying earth-moving machinery hit the tunnel ceiling just before 11am, police said.

A reversible lane, or contraflow, has been set up from King Georges Road, Kingsgrove.

The damage area is 60 metres into the tunnel from Bexley Road and is about 50 metres long.

There is both lighting and ventilation damage, police said.

The truck driver and a woman in a vehicle beside the truck were treated for minor injuries and shock.

Police said traffic diversions were in place and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

[Golliwog]

Who pays the bill to fix these incidents?

[Golliwog]

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/sydneys-m5-tunnel-reopens-after-emergency-repairs/story-e6frfku0-1225864079315

The RTA's director of operations Mike Veysey says it's "unbelievable" the driver was unaware his load was too large.

Three warning systems, which include fixed signs and flashing lights, are in place to alert truckies whose vehicles exceed the tunnel's heigh restrictions, Mr Veysey said.

An investigation into the crash will be carried out by the police and the RTA and further action - including the recovery of costs - may be taken against the driver involved.

Why only maybe try and get the costs out of him? Surely in all these sorts of cases the person who does the damage foots the bill?

[ozbob]

From ABC News email

Sydney's M5 could take weeks to repair

Sydney's M5 could take weeks to repair*

Motorists are being warned it could take weeks before repairs are completed to a tunnel on a major Sydney motorway, which means possible disruptions outside peak hours.

The M5 east tunnel was forced to close to traffic for more than 12 hours when an oversized truck carrying a 12-tonne excavator ploughed into the entrance yesterday morning, despite several warnings about exceeding the height restrictions.

The tunnel reopened today after engineers worked through the night to repair damage to its roof.

Engineers repaired the metal safety barrier, cladding and lighting system, which had been ripped from a 100-metre section of the tunnel's roof.

Police are investigating and as yet no charges have been laid against the driver.

New South Wales Transport Minister David Campbell says the warning systems were definitely working at the time of the accident.

"It is just beyond me why someone would fail to recognise those warning systems and continue to plough on and rip the ceiling out of the tunnel," he said.

"And as I say it's my view it's a miracle that no-one was seriously injured, or worse, as a result of that stupid action."

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) says it is yet to work out how much it will cost to repair the roof of the tunnel.

Backstreets in the area became clogged with traffic as about 10,000 cars were diverted to alternative routes.

The RTA's Mike Veysey says there was quick action and diversions worked better than expected.

"We'll be looking into this incident to see what we can learn from it," he said.

He says it would be almost impossible for a driver entering the M5 east tunnel in Sydney to be unaware their load was too high.

Mr Veysey says the truck driver would have driven past numerous signs warning him not to enter the tunnel.

"It is virtually beyond belief that the driver would not have known once he entered the tunnel that he was over height," he said.

"He would have received a considerable number of warnings and I guess we're really waiting for the police report to confirm what happened."

Premier Kristina Keneally has praised the work of the RTA to reopen the tunnel.

She says it is mind-boggling that a driver could make that kind of mistake.

-------------------------

Because of the severe disruptions to road traffic, it is a big big deal.  Knock out a bridge on the Ippy rail,  tough luck it seems ...

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Heavy goods truck becomes wedged in Goodna underpass: traffic delayed

Heavy goods truck becomes wedged in Goodna underpass: traffic delayed

    * by James OLoan
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * May 11, 2010 11:29AM

MOTORISTS are fuming today as a wedged truck continues to block traffic.

Before 7am, the loaded semi-trailer failed to get beneath an overpass at Layard St, Goodna.

Authorities are still trying to free it more than three hours later.

The situation is making the commute to and from Brisbane's west even worse than normal today.

Goodna Councillor Paul Tully, who was at the scene, described it as a complete shambles.

"There are warning signs for trucks not to use the underpass but this driver knew better, creating a peak hour traffic mess," Cr Tully said.

Police and Department of Transport staff are planning to take the load off the truck to decrease its height.

They are then hoping to move the truck on.

[ozbob]

More in this thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1888.0

[ozbob]

Another bridge strike Indooroopilly this afternoon.  Truck into the bridge at Allwood Street ....

[Golliwog]

How hard is it to put a barrier over the road before the bridge at the height of the bridge? Yes it'd get hit now and then, but better that than getting stuck under the bridge. The ones with the audible bars on chains or flaps don't always work. They have those at the bridge near Park road, but they've still had bridge strikes there.

[ozbob]

And yet another one .... 

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Truck collision damages overpass

Truck collision damages overpass
TONY MOORE
May 13, 2010 - 9:36PM

A large excavator on the back of a truck has tonight crashed into a bridge over the Cunningham Highway near Ipswich causing extensive damage.

Traffic has been diverted around the Ripley overpass for several hours and Main Roads believes it may cause delays in tomorrow morning's peak-hour traffic.

Concrete has broken away from the bridge in a large three-metre section and loose concrete has fallen onto the Cunningham Highway.

"It's done a fair bit of damage, so at the minute we are not sure what that will mean for the bridge," Main Roads regional director Miles Vass said tonight.

The truck and excavator did not stop, however hydrolic oil has bee found on the western side of the concrete overpass.

"What we think it is, is a large excavator with a boom on the back of a low loader," Mr Vass said.

He said a Main Roads bridge inspector had examined the damage and declared the overpass safe, but a bridge engineer was coming out tonight to give a structural check of the overpass.

"I am hoping that by the morning we will have a better idea of what is going to happen next," Mr Vass said.

He said he did not think the overpass would need to be replaced.

"But it will need some pretty extensive repairs, it has taken a pretty big hit," he said.

CCTV cameras on the Ipswich Motroway will be checked to try to find the truck that ran into the overpass.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th May 2010

Greetings,

Bridge strikes continue at an alarming rate.  Been a good week hasn't it? What ever the authorities are attempting to do about is not working is it?

Motor vehicle drivers are getting worse.

A problem for years, it seems that there is reluctance to get to the core of the matter.  The road lobby is a protected species by the looks of things.

Increase penalties, with full cost recovery for the damage, mayhem, congestion and delays that they cause would be good start.  Publicise this fact.
Additionally put up protective cross beams and tell tales.  It is not that difficult.

Have a read of this discussion thread for some background. --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

Yours in apprehension,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

From The Satellite 19th May 2010 page 7

Driver wedges truck between two bridges

[Otto]

.
Another rail bridge strike yesterday at Buranda on Logan road at lunch time. I passed the truck quite some time after to see that all tyres had been deflated, but truck still stuck fast..

[#Metro]

Another rail bridge strike yesterday at Buranda on Logan road at lunch time. I passed the truck quite some time after to see that all tyres had been deflated, but truck still stuck fast..

This happens all the time. Look at the bridge to see all the scratch marks from trucks and other vehicles wedging underneath it over the years.

There are signs. But nobody reads signs these days. 

[ozbob]

And another

Bridge strike,  authorities are impotent ...


=============

http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?1276663860

Ipswich line service disruptions

Services on the Ipswich line between Milton and Sherwood have been suspended due to a vehicle hitting the Sylvan Rd rail bridge, Toowong.

Some express services are running via South Brisbane direct to Corinda.

All other services are suspended until after the bridge is assessed. The bridge inspection is likely to occur about 3pm.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th June 2010

Greetings,

Another bridge strike at Toowong.  How hard can it be to sort this out properly?  Does anyone care ...

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

=============

http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?1276663860

Ipswich line service disruptions

Services on the Ipswich line between Milton and Sherwood have been suspended due to a vehicle hitting the Sylvan Rd rail bridge, Toowong.

Some express services are running via South Brisbane direct to Corinda.

All other services are suspended until after the bridge is assessed. The bridge inspection is likely to occur about 3pm.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th June 2010

Greetings,

And they continue, what bridge?  B A N G !!

Another bridge strike with the commensurate disruption and costs to the public.  Time for action.

http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?1276754785

Ipswich line services suspended

Ipswich trains are currently suspended due to a report of a truck hitting a rail bridge in Goodna.

Services may resume once the bridge is inspected. A bridge inspector is due on site about 4.30pm

Best wishes
Robert

==================

RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

Another bridge strike at Toowong.  How hard can it be to sort this out properly?  Does anyone care ...

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

=============

http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?1276663860

Ipswich line service disruptions

Services on the Ipswich line between Milton and Sherwood have been suspended due to a vehicle hitting the Sylvan Rd rail bridge, Toowong.

Some express services are running via South Brisbane direct to Corinda.

All other services are suspended until after the bridge is assessed. The bridge inspection is likely to occur about 3pm.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Media Release 18 June 2010

Queensland:  Action needed to stop bridge strikes

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called for the implementation of a policy that works to eliminate rail and road bridge strikes by heavy road vehicles.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The past two days have seen two bridge strikes which has disrupted the rail system (1,2).  Clearly, the present system of drivers theoretically knowing the travelling height and width of their vehicle and low level bridges before they start a journey is not working.  Warning signs are ignored."

"Active warning devices on the approaches to over bridges should be mandatory, and with today's electronic and satellite navigation systems further back up warning alerts are possible. Major thoroughfares need protective cross beams."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues."

"The serious risk is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life."

"Full cost recovery for the chaos and damage caused, together with licence suspensions are also needed."

"The disruption to the transport network that follows these bridge strikes is costly for the community.  We call on Queensland Transport to snap into gear and address the problem of bridge strikes with some urgency."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3954.0

2, http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson  Interview click --> here!

Trucks keep hitting bridges, free Go-Cards to be handed out

18 June 2010 , 8:30 AM by Spencer Howson

Already this week there have been two trucks hitting railway bridges on the Ipswich line.

Yesterday it was Goodna, the day before Toowong.

Remember the Transport Minster announced on this show a million dollars for gantries to alert drivers to the low bridges along the Ipswich line. Has it happened?

Following our discussion on Wednesday about Translink not delivering on its promise to hand out 400,000 free $10 Go-Cards, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan has announced they will be given away "from June 28th".

Minister Nolan wasn't available this morning at short notice. Robert Dow is with the web-based public transport advocacy group Rail Back on Track:

[Golliwog]

I think part of the fundamental issue with this is, as governments always do, an argument over who should pay for it. Is it QR because its a rail bridge or Transport and Main Roads/Council because its over their road/street.

[#Metro]

TransLink should pay for it (ideally). It is public transport infrastructure.
By having TL do this (maybe contract BCC to put it in) it cuts through all the cost and blame shifting arguments about who's balance sheet the costs should appear on.

The costs for programs like this should be spread over every stakeholder and be a normal feature in TLs budget.
Wasted time and inaction are also costly- in this case the costs don't appear on any government balance sheet, they are
merely shifted on to family budgets as lost time, taxi fares, increased car usage, lost wages and inconvenience.

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Trains suspended at Kuraby on Beenleigh/Gold Coast line due to level crossing issue. 30 minute delays expected until boom gates are repaired
half a minute ago via API

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Trains returning to normal on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines after a truck hit the Muriel Avenue rail bridge earlier this morning.
17 minutes ago via API

[ozbob]

Not a railway bridge this time!   

From the Courier Mail click here!

Semi trapped below Ipswich motorway near Goodna

Semi trapped below Ipswich motorway near Goodna

    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * July 08, 2010 3:29PM

A SEMI-TRAILER is jammed under an overpass below the Ipswich Motorway at Goodna.

The semi-trailer was trying to negotiate the 3.8 metre high Layard Street underpass when it became wedged.

Main Roads officers are trying to work out how to move the vehicle without damaging the overpass which carries five lanes of Ipswich Motorway traffic.

Local councillor Paul Tully said peak hour traffic would be thrown in chaos around the Goodna town centre.

"Another semi-trailer came to grief at this same location in May.

"Truck drivers are not getting the message despite height restriction warnings signs near the underpass.

"The police need to throw the book at these cowboys who should not be on the road if they can't read basic warning signs," Cr Tully said.

[Mozz]

As much as I dislike mandatory sentencing I suggest a mandatory minimum $30,000 fine for each offence or the lost economic value of the event whichever is highest.

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Trains delayed on Ipswich line between Goodna and Redbank stations due to vehicle hitting a rail bridge. Bridge inspection crew on site.
about 2 hours ago via API

[ozbob]

TransLinkSEQ
 
Train services between Darra and Sherwood suspended, due to rail bridge accident at Corinda/Oxley.
5 minutes ago via API

===========

[ozbob]

Twitter

612brisbane
 
QR: A truck has hit a bridge at Allan Terrace between Corinda and Oxley and all trains between Darra and Sherwood have been stopped
2 minutes ago via TweetDeck

[ozbob]

Just heard on an ABC National News bulletin that NSW has increased penalties for bridge strikes, 12 times the present fine and 6 demerit points.