Bridge strikes

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th October 2015

Re: Call for government action on bridge strikes

Greetings,

This is a very serious issue.

Action needs to be taken and fast.



Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 16th October 2015

Call for government action on 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 passengers has called for action to address bridge strikes.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"More bridge strikes again this week. Aside from the disruption to the transport network there is a very serious risk of a disaster."

"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.

"It is a fact of life that most male truck drivers know their penis size, but not the height of their truck.  We want the state government and the RACQ to join forces and finance a public education campaign, aimed at truck drivers, with this simple message: 'How Big Is Your Rig?'

"Establishing a link between the size of the male appendage and the irresponsible behaviour of drivers is not new and worked for the old RTA in New South Wales –

"The proposed 'How Big Is Your Rig?' advertisement is just one aspect of a three-pronged campaign that Rail Back On Track advocates.  We also want the Department of Transport and Main Roads personnel to visit trucking companies to ensure they have operational and procedural measures in place whereby truck drivers sign a form stating the height and width of the truck they are about to drive, including load dimensions.  The same information should be displayed in the cabin of trucks over a certain size.  This is not onerous in our view and wouldn't affect many smaller transport vehicles – courier vans, for instance.

"Finally, if that measure doesn't work, the State Government needs to look at increasing fines and penalties - including automatic licence suspensions.  The onus is on the driver to know the size of the vehicle he is operating so he can make appropriate decisions about potential obstacles along his chosen route.

"A 'How Big Is Your Rig?' advertising campaign would remind drivers not to be a tool about this important public safety issue."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10484.msg161891#msg161891

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 42s

How long?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol

@AnnastaciaMP @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @JoAnnMillerMP

@TMRQld  🕇

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 13s

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad G'day. Anything happening about bridge strikes?  'Luck' is sure to run out soon?

#qldpol

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

It's a 'pandemic' .. how long?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad  @JoAnnMillerMP  @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1m

How long? Action needed ...

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg162743#msg162743 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld @AnnastaciaMP

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1h

' Call for govt action on bridge strikes '

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg162743#msg162743 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

I was interviewed by a student journalist yesterday on bridge strikes.  The student was very concerned about bridge strikes and was doing an article as part of his course.  I do many many interviews with students.

Good to see interest, even if MSM and Government is largely disinterested and more concerned with reality television and segways ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th October 2015

Call for government action on bridge strikes

Greetings,

This is a very serious issue.



Action needs to be taken and fast.  What is being done to stop it?  Obviously present strategies are failing.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1h

BRIDGE STRIKE! Wulkuraka - key freight & passenger services stopped.

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg163375#msg163375 ...

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @tmrqld #qldpol O_O

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

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1h

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld   Hey ho .. time for action before more chaos and calamity ..

>> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news have followed up, thanks for the support!

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 12s

Call for govt action bridge strikes

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg162743#msg162743 ...

#qldpol #springst

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Call for government action on bridge strikes

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 5m

How long, the next bridge strike?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol

Anyone home? @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 7m

BRIDGE STRIKE  BOOM!!

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg163604#msg163604 ...

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

Seriously, can you do something ???

#qldpol

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 6m


. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

Action is needed today.

More disruption.

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol



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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 5m

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld Couldn't even get through the weekend without another strike.  STOP IT!!

#qldpol

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 4m

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

Are you too close to the heavy vehicle industry to step up and take action?

Seems so hey?

#qldpol

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 4m

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld Is it going to take a massive disaster before you act ???

#qldpol



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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld .

Might be time to stand aside and let others who will act sort it hey?

#qldpol

[ozbob]

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

. @AnnastaciaMP Any chance of getting some action on Bridge Strikes Premier?  Seems nobody else cares ..

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg163605#msg163605 ...

#qldpol

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st November 2015

Re: BRIDGE STRIKE AGAIN !

Greetings,

How many more bridge strikes before someone stands up and takes some action?

We suggest:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection  and warnings in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

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

On 01-Nov-15 3:51 PM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:

  ICYMI

  http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/63401/details

  Trains suspended both directions Virginia-Caboolture:delays 60 mins

  Last updated: 3.10pm Sunday 1 November 2015

  Caboolture line trains are suspended in both directions between Virginia and Caboolture stations due to a bridge strike at Morayfield station. Customers can expect delays of up to 60 minutes.

  Bridge inspectors are en route.

  On 28-Oct-15 10:46 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:

   ICYMI
 
   http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/63026/details
 
   Train suspended: Wulkuraka station
 
   Last updated: 10.30am Wednesday 28 October 2015
 
   The Ipswich and Rosewood line trains are suspended in both directions between Wulkuraka and Thomas Street stations due to a bridge strike at Wulkuraka. Customers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes.
 
   Technicians are en route.
 
   Alternative transport has been arranged.
 
   Buses have started operating to transport passengers.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

Latest media: ' BRIDGE STRIKE AGAIN ! '

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg163607#msg163607 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2m

Hello ?  Anyone home ... do you want a review with that? NO! ACTION!!

>> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg163607#msg163607 ...

#qldpol @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 4m

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

Another BRIDGE STRIKE ! > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg163682#msg163682 ...

#qldpol

Any chance of stepping up to the plate ?

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 4m

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld  UNACCEPTABLE

Action needed now, today ..

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg163607#msg163607 ...

#qldpol

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd November 2015

Bridge Strikes

Greetings,

Billions of dollars invested in transport systems, at the mercy of an idiot in a heavy vehicle that drives into a bridge structure, be it rail over road, road over road, pedestrian bridge over road, other structure (tunnel) over a road. A bridge strike throws the public transport network and road network into chaos.  There are enough issues with our transport networks in SEQ without having to cope with constant dangerous bridge strikes.

The silence and public non-response from the authorities is disturbing.  Does anyone actually care that these preventable incidents are escalating?  Is there any leadership on George Street?

Again we outline a strategy that will help control this potentially extremely dangerous and disruptive offence.

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection  and warnings in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and loads, and documented route selection. The placement of more protective beams will stop strikes on actual bridge structures themselves, but vehicle operators still manage to drive into them with chaos following.  Repetitive bridge strikes might well weaken structures to a point of unpredictable collapse.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is a worry.

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

Latest media: ' Bridge Strikes '

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg163702#msg163702 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld @QueenslandRail



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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1m

Robert Dow Retweeted Robert Dow

. @AnnastaciaMP Good Morning Premier.  Please read.

> https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/661219865584250880 ...

#qldpol

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1m

Will there be a bridge strike today?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

your watch

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/

Queensland Rail

Think you'll fit? Don't risk it.

Recently we installed protection beams on both sides of the rail bridge over Allwood Street, Indooroopilly. The beams aim to prevent over-height vehicles from striking the bridge – improving transport safety and preventing frustrating delays for train commuters.

In the past two days, these protection beams have been struck by two different vehicles. Check out this generator involved in one of the incidents.

We cannot plead enough with motorists to always be aware of your vehicle's height and load when travelling near rail infrastructure.

In addition to the safety risks, motorists who damage our network can also be fined up to $8800 for damaging rail infrastructure, in addition to being pursued for the repair costs.

While we're continuing with our efforts to reduce strikes through engineering solutions, education and enforcement, we're calling for road users to simply be more careful.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Beam strikes ... today more?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

Road safety is an oxymoron

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Beams to protect rail bridge at Nambour in firing line

CONSTRUCTION of specially designed protective beams at the Price St rail bridge in Nambour is due to begin early next month.

Queensland Rail has confirmed $1.3 million will be spent on protecting the tracks following a spate of truck mishaps at the site.

The bridge has undergone numerous repairs in recent years, with courier trucks and even a cherry picker being wedged under the 3.3m structure.

"Unfortunately, there will be some traffic delays, so I ask motorists to be patient and consider alternative routes while this much needed work is undertaken," Member for Nicklin Peter Wellington said.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the specially designed beams will be placed on both sides of the rail bridge to keep trucks from careering into the aging tracks.

"The protection beams will be installed at the same height as the bridge on both approaches and located approximately four metres before the west side of the bridge and 1.5 metres before the east side," she said.

The work is not expected to be completed until February.

Five businesses are within the construction zone and some have concerns that it will affect trade.

Nambour Print Centre owner Peter Rosendale said businesses were only given an information leaflet last week, but also said he wasn't too concerned.

"They say most of it will be happening at night," Mr Rosendale said.

^ the weakest link.  Well over due, but delighted something is happening ..

[#Metro]

Do we have a map of which crossings are protected?

[Stillwater]

Will the protective beams at the Price Street site (Nambour) be located so as to allow for duplication of the single track without having to remove the beams at some stage in the future?  Siting the beams so as to allow for dual tracks between them would seem prudent, even if track duplication immediately north of Nambour railway station is not immediately on the cards.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th November 2015

Bridge Strikes

Good Morning,

The ongoing saga with bridge strikes.

Firstly some good news. The Price Street Nambour rail over road bridge is to get some beam protection.  This is a very precarious bridge and the protection is well over due.

See  Sunshine Coast Daily --> Beams to protect rail bridge at Nambour in firing line

Beams do help protect the actual bridge itself.  However vehicles still drive into the protective beams, as has been seen recently at Indooroopilly and at Palmwoods and other locations since beams installed.

These beam strikes still result in grave risks to any bystanders and vehicle occupants, disrupt the road transport system and has we have noted, still affect the rail network.  Trains have been stopped even though bridges themselves not struck, just the protective beams.

So action, more than just engineering solutions needs to be carried out. We suggest:

1.  First offence, 3-6 months automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. 2nd life.  This might focus some minds.

2.  Education campaigns,  bridge protection  and warnings in all its guises, transport company be responsible for ensuring drivers have safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and loads, and documented route selection. The placement of more protective beams will stop strikes on actual bridge structures themselves, but vehicle operators still manage to drive into them with chaos following.  Repetitive bridge strikes might well weaken structures to a point of unpredictable collapse.

3.  In cab warning devices if all else fails -  alarm, preferably a loud klaxon sounds in cab if truck approaches a low level bridge, be it rail over road, or road over road, pedestrian over road.

It is time to support Queensland Rail and get cracking.  The behaviour of road users generally is deplorable.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Latest: ' Bridge Strikes '

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg163875#msg163875 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld @AnnastaciaMP

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 3s

Another one today? Probably, 50+ last year ..

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.msg163875#msg163875 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 41s

Bridge strike today?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld #qldpol

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/posts/1084832214868471

Queensland Rail

In a bid to prevent further bridge strikes to the Price Street rail bridge in Nambour, we are pleased specially designed protection beams will be installed on both approaches to the bridge with construction beginning this month.

This follows an alarming three incidents at the location in just the past few months with the bridge already fitted with a number of protection measures including height clearance and advanced warning signage. Bridge strikes don't just affect the bridge, they can also cause damage to the track as shown in the image.

We will also work with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to install new signage to inform drivers of the protection beam's clearance height and to direct over-height vehicles to an alternate route. For more, check out the Sunshine Coast Daily article: http://ow.ly/Ugx9r

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2h

Can we expect a Ministerial statement on bridge strikes?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

Stop it!!

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2h

. @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

Time to toughen up and show leadership .... #qldpol

>> https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/663762429554262016 ...

[ozbob]

Twitter

Quest Newspapers ‏@QuestNewspapers 5m

Indooroopilly rail bridge warnings not getting thru . @QueenslandRail http://bit.ly/1WLBz9o  WATCH SHOCKING VIDEO: http://bit.ly/1Nq23D0

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

Another day, another bridge strike?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1m

Bridge strike beware danger ... > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

@MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld #qldpol O_O

[ozbob]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-the-million-dollar-cost-of-vandalism-in-schools-has-experts-scratching-their-heads/story-fnihsr9v-1227609227613

BRIDGE TOO FAR FOR SOME

A truck jammed under a bridge in Melbourne.

Most times I manage to walk under things without banging my head.

There are even times when I can carry things and navigate myself through or under tight or low passages.

This is not something I've ever put to the test while behind the wheel of a truck, but the theory seems the same.

But, obviously, an alarming number of truck drivers (or load masters) have trouble working out just how high is high and wide is wide.

The number of trucks that get stuck under railway bridges every year is amazing. The code words "bridge strikes" seem somewhat inadequate.

Each year more than 50 trucks get stuck under bridges, delaying more than 300 trains and 90,000 travellers.

The worst nine bridges were hit 34 times in just one year.

At least one death has been attributed to bridge strikes, which cost up to $130,000 each.

When caught (how can they not be caught?) drivers can be fined up to $8800 but still – bang.

It has become something of an obsession for train tragic and public transport guru Robert Down (sic), of Rail Back on Track, who wants tougher penalties.

But if people can't work out what fits where, you might wonder whether stupidity and inattention are assessable commodities.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

A testament to failure ... > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 3h

Bridge strike today? > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ... #qldpol @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @JoAnnMillerMP @TMRQld

[ozbob]

From the  Nambour Weekly 18th November 2015 page 9

Stopping dangerous bridge strikes

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2h

Bridge strike today? > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11725.0 ...

#qldpol @MarkBaileyMP @jackietrad @TMRQld

✝️