25 Jan 2014: SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 25 January 2014



SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes and level crossing incidents under some sort of control. The implementation of a policy that works to eliminate rail and road bridge strikes by heavy road vehicles should be well within the bureaucratic capability of the Minister for Transport and Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

"Yesterday, yet another heavy vehicle struck a rail bridge on the Sunshine Coast railway line at Nambour. This was the the third bridge strike for the week on the SEQ rail network!"

"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. Protective beams are driven into as well as bridges."

"There is increasing frustration at the local government level and within the public transport community generally at the failure to roll out solutions to fix this problem."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes and level crossing incidents are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues.  A Government is elected to act.  It is time that action was taken."

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life. The bridge strike at Nambour changed the rail alignment. Had a train hit that at full speed there may well have been a derailment with consequent serious injury, loss of life and much damage."

"The disruption and delays to the road and public transport network that follows these bridge strikes and drivers hitting boom gates is very costly for the community."

"Clearly the present sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms are not influencing driver behaviours.  It is time that an automatic licence suspensions be implemented for these offences.  First offence at least six months licence suspension, increased fines and full cost recovery.  Second offence, off the road for life.  Nothing else it seems will endear the necessary behaviour changes."

Yesterdays strike at Nambour



https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/995852_729320483752981_1190670304_n.jpg

References:

1. 29 May 2009 Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

2. 24 July 2010: SEQ:  Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos on south-east Queensland roads
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Dicussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg138035

[ozbob]

Another pic of the Nambour bridge (Queensland Rail face book)

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th January 2014

Re: SEQ:  Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

Greetings,

An interesting point has been raised on our going discussions re bridge strikes ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg138077#msg138077 ).  GPS Navigation systems.

Background -->   http://www.schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=340971&

Inappropriate GPS  Navigation systems are a factor in many bridge strikes in other jurisdictions.  Is this an issue in Queensland?

Truck Navigation systems are available eg.   http://www.navman.com.au/car-gps-devices/specialty/MYTRUCK/Overview/

We think that an in-cab klaxon horn alert needs to be incorporated with these systems though so when a heavy vehicle approaches a low level structure a warning is sounded.

This may help to reduce these insane strikes and avoid the risk of death, injury and turmoil to the road and public transport networks.

Leadership?

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Media Release 25 January 2014



SEQ: Bridge strikes and level crossing incidents continue to cause chaos

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes and level crossing incidents under some sort of control. The implementation of a policy that works to eliminate rail and road bridge strikes by heavy road vehicles should be well within the bureaucratic capability of the Minister for Transport and Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

"Yesterday, yet another heavy vehicle struck a rail bridge on the Sunshine Coast railway line at Nambour. This was the the third bridge strike for the week on the SEQ rail network!"

"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. Protective beams are driven into as well as bridges."

"There is increasing frustration at the local government level and within the public transport community generally at the failure to roll out solutions to fix this problem."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes and level crossing incidents are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues.  A Government is elected to act.  It is time that action was taken."

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life. The bridge strike at Nambour changed the rail alignment. Had a train hit that at full speed there may well have been a derailment with consequent serious injury, loss of life and much damage."

"The disruption and delays to the road and public transport network that follows these bridge strikes and drivers hitting boom gates is very costly for the community."

"Clearly the present sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms are not influencing driver behaviours.  It is time that an automatic licence suspensions be implemented for these offences.  First offence at least six months licence suspension, increased fines and full cost recovery.  Second offence, off the road for life.  Nothing else it seems will endear the necessary behaviour changes."

Yesterdays strike at Nambour



https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/995852_729320483752981_1190670304_n.jpg

References:

1. 29 May 2009 Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

2. 24 July 2010: SEQ:  Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos on south-east Queensland roads
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg138096#msg138096

[ozbob]

Media release 21st February 2014



SEQ: Chaos!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes and level crossing incidents under some sort of control.

"Two boom gate strikes in two days on the Caboolture/Sunshine Coast Line (1)."

"It is farcical that bridge strikes and level crossing incidents are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues.  A Government is elected to act.  It is time that action was taken."

"Drivers continue to race red flashing lights and crash into boom gates."

"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. Protective beams are driven into as well as bridges."

"There is increasing frustration at the local government level and within the public transport community generally at the failure to roll out solutions to fix these problems."

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life. The bridge strike at Nambour changed the rail alignment. Had a train hit that at full speed there may well have been a derailment with consequent serious injury, loss of life and much damage."

"The disruption and delays to the road and public transport network that follows these bridge strikes and drivers hitting boom gates is very costly for the community."

"Clearly the present sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms are not influencing driver behaviours.  It is time that an automatic licence suspensions be implemented for these offences.  First offence at least six months licence suspension, increased fines and full cost recovery.  Second offence, off the road for life.  Nothing else it seems will endear the necessary behaviour changes."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg139342#msg139342

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/7216/details

Trains suspended: Bald Hills-Carseldine

Last updated: 7.31am Friday 21 February 2014

Caboolture line trains are suspended in both directions between Bald Hills and Carseldine stations due to a boomgate strike. Customer can expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

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

Twitter

QPS Media Unit ‏@QPSmedia

Truck has struck boomgate at Bald Hills station. Traffic being turned around, find a better route #bnetraffic

[ozbob]

Twitter

Penny Dahl (Cameron) ‏@Pennycopter 44s

Boomgates struck Telegraph Rd and Lacey Rd at Bald Hills, trains passing very slowly #bnetraffic http://t.co/KB3ntPoPv0

[Derwan]

I see bridge strikes and boom gate strikes as two very different things.

Bridge Strikes happen when the driver is either unaware of the height of his/her vehicle or simply doesn't THINK.  They're not deliberately trying to get away with something.

Boom gate strikes happen when the driver is either trying to beat the gates (i.e. deliberately fails to stop at the red flashing lights) or fails to realise that the traffic has stopped before proceeding onto the level crossing and the boom gate comes down on top of them.

Things like fines (after the fact) won't help prevent future bridge strikes.  They're not deliberately trying to get away with something.  This is an educational thing.  Boom gate strike on the other hand need significant fines and potential loss of licence if they deliberately ran the red lights.  This would act as a deterrent to others trying to do the same thing.

I think bridge strikes and boom gate strikes need to be treated differently - not lumped into the same basket.  The only similarities are that they are committed by road users and result in significant delays.  The actual causes are very different.

I still think that standard traffic lights (green, amber, red) should be installed at all (or at least higher risk) level crossings - with red light cameras where necessary.  Simply having the red flashing lights is not enough.  If they start flashing right in front of you and you can't stop safely, then obviously you have to proceed through them.  Amber lights give enough time for drivers who can't stop safely and make it clear when there should be no more cars proceeding past the stop line.

I've said this before.  People treat the flashing lights as an amber light and the boom gates as a red light.  Time it wrong and they hit the gate.  They need a RED light before the boom gates come down.

[ozbob]

Both are violations of road rules.  They are both the result of undue care and attention, and/or recklessness.  They both cause massive disruptions with potential catastrophic consequences.

Time suspensions were added.   

Yes, we all know they are intrinsicially different, however for purposes of an immediate media response they are similar for reasons stated.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 30th January 2014 page 9

Road users called on to improve their behaviour

[ozbob]

Media release 21st February 2014 re-released 24th February 2014



SEQ: Chaos! Level crossings incidents continue ...

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes and level crossing incidents under some sort of control.

"Two boom gate strikes in two days on the Caboolture/Sunshine Coast Line last week(1).  Now another on the Beenleigh/Gold Coast line (2)"

"It is farcical that bridge strikes and level crossing incidents are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues.  A Government is elected to act.  It is time that action was taken."

"Drivers continue to race red flashing lights and crash into boom gates."

"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. Protective beams are driven into as well as bridges."

"There is increasing frustration at the local government level and within the public transport community generally at the failure to roll out solutions to fix these problems."

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life. The bridge strike at Nambour changed the rail alignment. Had a train hit that at full speed there may well have been a derailment with consequent serious injury, loss of life and much damage."

"The disruption and delays to the road and public transport network that follows these bridge strikes and drivers hitting boom gates is very costly for the community."

"Clearly the present sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms are not influencing driver behaviours.  It is time that an automatic licence suspensions be implemented for these offences.  First offence at least six months licence suspension, increased fines and full cost recovery.  Second offence, off the road for life.  Nothing else it seems will endear the necessary behaviour changes."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg139342#msg139342

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg139444#msg139444

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

^ Fairfax radio news have followed up, thanks for the interest.

[ozbob]

And another bridge strike, road bridge this time for a change ..


Couriermail --> Truck tries to drive through underpass but disaster strikes

[ozbob]

And the risk with over head wires ...

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

Twitter

QPS Media Unit ‏@QPSmedia

#WTFriday! High voltage! This skipper nearly fried his catch driving home. Goodness gracious.. #greatballsoffire http://t.co/QrtojXMTTJ

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail trains to continue running when motorists hit boom gates

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

7th March 2014

Level crossings

Greetings,

A small but useful move concerning managing the chaos that occurs when motor vehicles strike boom gates.

Courier Mail

Queensland Rail trains to continue running when motorists hit boom gates

This does nothing for the chaos to the road system however that follows these strikes.  It is time to consider licence suspensions for these blatant breaches of the road rules.

The present system of fines and damage recovery costs is not working.  Vehicle drivers are still attempting to run the red flashing lights often.  Other times it is just driving without due attention and care, and one wonders whether these people should be allowed to drive, as they are constantly putting themselves and others in potential jeopardy.

Red light cameras, and additional traffic lights at key level crossings may help change behaviours as well.

Grade separation is the goal in the end.  This is not going be achieved for all level crossings any time soon, if ever.  So further sanctions are necessary in our opinion, together with education and cameras to bring this under some sort of control before there is further loss of life and injury.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Another damn bridge strike! 

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

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/8156/details

Trains resumed: Morayfield to Caboolture

Last updated: 11.29am Saturday 8 March 2014

Caboolture and Sunshine Coast line trains are have resumed in both directions between Morayfield and Caboolture stations following an earlier bridge strike near William Berry Drive. No further delays are expected.

[ozbob]

Media release 21st February 2014 re-released 24th February 2014 re-released 9th March 2014



SEQ: Chaos! Level crossings incidents and bridge strikes continue ...

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes and level crossing incidents under some sort of control (1, 2, 3).

"It is farcical that bridge strikes and level crossing incidents are allowed to occur month after month with seemingly little action to address the fundamental issues.  A Government is elected to act.  It is time that action was taken."

"Drivers continue to race red flashing lights and crash into boom gates. Accelerating procedures to get trains running again after a boom gate strike are welcome, however it is still very much 'treating the symptoms' rather than establishing a proper preventative strategy (4) ."

"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. Protective beams are driven into as well as bridges. Another bridge strike yesterday."

"There is increasing frustration at the local government level and within the public transport community generally at the failure to roll out solutions to fix these problems."

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life. The bridge strike at Nambour changed the rail alignment. Had a train hit that at full speed there may well have been a derailment with consequent serious injury, loss of life and much damage."

"The disruption and delays to the road and public transport network that follows these bridge strikes and drivers hitting boom gates is very costly for the community."

"Clearly the present sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms are not influencing driver behaviours.  It is time that an automatic licence suspensions be implemented for these offences.  First offence at least six months licence suspension, increased fines and full cost recovery.  Second offence, off the road for life.  Nothing else it seems will endear the necessary behaviour changes."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg139342#msg139342

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg139444#msg139444

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.msg139843#msg139843

4. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2391.msg139823#msg139823

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

7th March 2014

Level crossings

Greetings,

A small but useful move concerning managing the chaos that occurs when motor vehicles strike boom gates.

Courier Mail

Queensland Rail trains to continue running when motorists hit boom gates

This does nothing for the chaos to the road system however that follows these strikes.  It is time to consider licence suspensions for these blatant breaches of the road rules.

The present system of fines and damage recovery costs is not working.  Vehicle drivers are still attempting to run the red flashing lights often.  Other times it is just driving without due attention and care, and one wonders whether these people should be allowed to drive, as they are constantly putting themselves and others in potential jeopardy.

Red light cameras, and additional traffic lights at key level crossings may help change behaviours as well.

Grade separation is the goal in the end.  This is not going be achieved for all level crossings any time soon, if ever.  So further sanctions are necessary in our opinion, together with education and cameras to bring this under some sort of control before there is further loss of life and injury.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Whammo ..

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


http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/9346/details
====================================
Trains suspended Indooroopilly - Taringa

Last updated: 2.44pm Wednesday 26 March 2014

Ipswich, Rosewood and Springfield line trains are suspended in both directions between Indooroopilly and Taringa stations due to a bridge strike at Allwood Street, Indooroopilly. Customers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

Bridge inspectors are en route.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Nine News Brisbane ‏@9NewsBrisbane 10m

Truck drivers who crash into train bridges may soon face tougher penalties. @michaelbesty has details #9NewsAt6 http://t.co/caoju2HqW5

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

. @scottemersonmp Pleased to see some action on bridge strikes, thanks. http://short.ninem.sn/8AnFpTO  #qldpol #auspol #springst

--> http://short.ninem.sn/8AnFpTO

[ozbob]

Melbourne ...

==========

Twitter

Daniel Bowen ‏@danielbowen 4m

Racecourse Road, Newmarket: truck vs rail bridge this morning: http://imgur.com/ZAETyIs  (via Reddit)

[ozbob]

^ looks like an additional protection beam on the bridge itself ..

[ozbob]

Another pic of strike ^

[ozbob]

^

[ozbob]

A more direct approach in Sydney ..

Sign on Foreshore Road, approaching Sydney Airport.  Penalty also includes loss of 6 points  (rather than the 4 in Qld).

[ozbob]

A welcome development ..

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Smartphone app to prevent bridge strikes

Overzealous truck drivers continue to cause hundreds of thousands of dollars to Queensland rail bridges each year by underestimating the heights of their vehicles.

Sometimes with tragic consequences.

But a new smartphone app developed by Brisbane City Council and the Queensland University of Technology is aiming to curb the costly and potentially dangerous bridge strikes by alerting drivers to structures they will not easily pass under.

Drivers will be able to input the height of their vehicles and the app will provide a map with locations of low bridges and their heights.

It will tell drivers which bridges their vehicle will not fit under and also enable them to plan their route accordingly.

Council's infrastructure chairman Adrian Schrinner said council was working with vehicle hire companies to ensure all customers downloaded the app to their phones.

"It is often once-off drivers who have hired a truck and underestimate its height, so hire companies will be crucial in this process," he said.

In addition to providing locations of low bridges, the app will also alert drivers via an audio warning when they are approaching a bridge they may be at risk of not passing under.

It is expected to be completed by December.   

The app is a joint initiative between the council and Queensland Rail, which recorded 60 strikes to its bridges in the last financial year alone.

The rail authority and the State Government are funding a series of strike protection beams on identified low bridges in a bid to minimise potentially dangerous structural damage and to prevent vehicles that do strike from rolling

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/smartphone-app-to-prevent-bridge-strikes-20140611-zs4ff.html

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/11/5502505/1402478738706.jpg-300x0.jpg
A screenshot of Brisbane City Council's Bridge Strike Project Smart Phone App. Photo: Suplied

[ozbob]

Twitter

3AW Melbourne ‏@3AW693 32s

Road closed - John Street at Lilydale RT @HelenInLeValley: Boom gates are stuck down as well.



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

^ Vic, but idiocy is not confined exclusively to Queensland ..

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

. @scottemersonmp Yet another, bridge strike! Time these clowns off the road ... > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg143451#msg143451 ... #qldpol @tmr @QueenslandRail

[ozbob]

Crikey, it is a pandemic!

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

Twitter

Nine News Melbourne ‏@9NewsMelb 2m

TRAFFIC: Truck wedged under the Newmarket Train Station bridge in Kensington. (Pic via #9News viewer Angie Zacchei)

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

. @scottemersonmp Yet another, bridge strike! Time these clowns off the road ... > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg143451#msg143451 ... #qldpol @tmr @QueenslandRail

[ozbob]

On a somewhat more positive note, Bertha St Goodna, as it goes under the highway bridge, there are now some tell tales  ... 

[johnnigh]

Driving south across Walter Taylor Bridge at 1.10pm, passed the underpass to Oxley Rd (luckily I was driving forward on Honour Ave), a few seconds after a contractor truck with lawn mowing tractor on top had just about managed to stop before taking the tractor's half-cabin off. Two cars hastily stopped behind. Not sure whether it qualifies as a bridge strike or not. But the truck and the cars lining up to go under the railway were going to have a tricky time unwinding themselves.

[ozbob]

Yet another on the Sunny Coast line ..

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click --  here!

Wow that's 'Wheelie embarrassing'

A SKIP bin truck pulled a wheelie when it was caught under a rail bridge at Woombye.

The truck's front wheels were left hanging about 1m in the air after the back of the vehicle snagged on the Blackall St underpass about 1.15pm yesterday.

The mishap disrupted train services on the line between Palmwoods and Nambour for two hours.

Two trucks were used to free the truck.

Claytons Towing heavy towing manager Wayne Tuite said the truck driver had earlier cleared the bridge.

Mr Tuite said the driver was making a return trip with a full bin when the "arms" holding the load got stuck.

"When it's full, things sit up higher," he said.

Mr Tuite said the front of the truck was lowered onto a tow-truck tray and another tow-truck then pulled it out backwards from under the bridge.

The truck driver was believed to have walked away with just a limp - after having to jump out of the cabin.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said train services between Woombye and Nambour resumed once the bridge was declared safe.

She said the heights of all rail bridges were signposted.

[ozbob]

Putting the brakes on overheight vehicles  Melbourne CityLink

[red dragin]

A blade shaped horizontal beam and a net to catch the debris would have been simpler and made for better YouTube clips   

[ozbob]

Hey ho ... bridge strike at Goodna - Layard St rail over road bridge yesterday ..

Queensland Times 12th August 2014 page 5

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 21st August 2014 page 21

Truck gets stuck ... again



Online now --> http://www.qt.com.au/news/truck-collision-layard-st-underpass-blocks-traffic/2358033/