Bridge strikes

[Fares_Fair]

I reckon that they should fit the bridges with Blazer Armour.. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/930529295012732928

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/946781791934857216

[red dragin]

TMR Facebook is warning Townsville residents of a Bruce Highway closure at Yabulu, to remove a section of the abandoned Greenvale Railway line overpass due a bridge strike.

Understandable, given the line has been closed for more than 20 years, but the bridge is 5.4 metres high according to Google Street View 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/988609239814815744

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/bridge-strike-protection

Bridge strike protection

Queensland Rail's bridge strike protection program aims to prevent over-height vehicles from colliding with rail bridges in South East Queensland.

Bridge strikes can cause costly damage and frustrating delays for road and rail users and can also be extremely dangerous, which is why Queensland Rail is making every effort to prevent them.

These specially designed protection beams also significantly reduce the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over should it strike the beam.

Queensland Rail is committed to reducing the likelihood and impact of bridge strikes through engineering solutions and working with police on enforcement.

Every bridge is fitted with a height clearance sign and it's up to motorists to stay focused and be aware of their vehicle's height and load.

Motorists who damage Queensland Rail infrastructure, including bridges, face penalties of up to $8,800, in addition to the repair bill.

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

Bridge impact detection

Queensland Rail's Bridge Impact Detection System project allows for bridge strikes to be remotely reported back to Queensland Rail via a Structural Monitoring and Alert System (SMAS).

The SMAS provides remote sensing and video monitoring of bridges to allow for immediate assessment of the impact after a vehicle collision. After a bridge collision Queensland Rail is forced to slow or halt trains running along that line while an inspection occurs to ensure that the track is still safe to run on. The SMAS system helps to reduce the time to get trains running again.

The SMAS includes sensors mounted to the bridge structure to monitor and measure the force of an impact, along with a CCTV system to allow remote viewing and recording of the incident. Queensland Rail manages all personal information that may be captured via this process in accordance with its obligations under the Information Privacy Act 2009. For more information, see Queensland Rail's Privacy Statement.

Queensland Rail is committed to reducing the likelihood and impact of bridge strikes through engineering solutions including the SMAS system and working with police on enforcement.

It's up to motorists to stay focused and be aware of their vehicle's height and load.

Motorists who damage Queensland Rail infrastructure, including bridges, face penalties of up to $8,800, in addition to the repair bill.

The following locations have been installed with the bridge impact detection system:

    Pickering Street, Gaythorne
    Cribb Street, Milton
    Park Road, Milton
    Leis Parade, Lawnton
    Annerley Road, Dutton Park
    Ernest Street, South Bank
    Price Street, Nambour
    Peel Street, South Brisbane
    Sylvan Road, Toowong
    Gladstone Road, Wulkuraka
    Bergin Street, Booval
    Neill Road, Mooloolah
    Pine Street, Wynnum
    Countess Street, Brisbane 
    Price St, Nambour
    Muriel Ave, Moorooka
    Boomerang St, Milton
    Allwood St, Indooroopilly
    Oxley Rd, Corinda
    Logan Rd, Buranda
    Bergin St, Booval
    Park Rd, Milton
    Tribune St, South Bank
    Gladstone Rd, Wulkaraka
    Dixon St, Wulkaraka.

[ozbob]

Bridge strikes continue to be a concern everywhere ..

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/994685247823298561

[ozbob]

^

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/996621166193164288

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/996920082633719809

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/999682984797065216

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1000771639166971906

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th May 2018

Call to publish performance data in a timely manner TransLink and Queensland Rail

Good Morning,

TransLink and Queensland Rail are becoming very slow in publishing performance data.  Particularly annoying is that Queensland Rail is happy to give media data but refuses to update their public performance data website ( http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Pages/Servicepunctualityandreliability.aspx and http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/ourperformance/safety-and-security ).  This just reinforces the contempt many already feel with respect to the bumbling transport authorities. Where is the data for February, March and April for skipped stations, SPADs and bridge strikes?

TransLink was months behind with the public reporting of the performance data snapshots ( https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/translink-public-transport-performance-snapshots ) which leads to prolonged public reporting delays with the TransLink Tracker ( https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/translink-division-quarterly-reports ). So late was the TransLink Tracker that Q1 and Q2 for 2017-18 were combined into a joint publication!

It is another sign of the culture of failure and the misdirected elitism that permeates the transport portfolio and its bureaucracies.

We call on the Minister to direct the bumbling transport agencies to publish performance data in a timely manner, no later than 2 weeks after the period is completed.  If the agencies cannot achieve simple tasks it is little wonder the public transport network is such a mess hey!

Thank you.

Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1001135699641319424

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1001504617866260480

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1003727663091970049

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1003805311629647873

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1004395863878168577

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1023436051312865280

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1023450252827738119

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> WHOOPS: Rental truck crashes in to bridge

IF YOU think you are having a bad day then spare a thought for the driver of rental truck that collided with a bridge this afternoon.

Clayton's Towing responded to the incident in Eudlo at around 2.30pm to help remove the truck from its sticky situation after trying to drive under a bridge with low clearance.

Clayton's posted images of the crash on their Facebook page, with one person commentating "Hope they took the excess reduction option."

Other's have suggested that the driver may have been opting for a "cheap flat bed conversion".

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1023451038827728898

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027796811895853056

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th August 2018

Heavy metal can crush ...

Good Morning,

Well done Queensland Rail on the launch of the ' HEAVY METAL STOPS FOR NO ONE Level Crossing Safety campaign.
https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Customers/Pages/Heavy-metal.aspx

" Ahead of Rail Safety Week 2018 (13-19 August), Queensland Rail has launched a 'rocking' new campaign, warning of the dangers of disobeying level crossing signs and signals and stressing that 'heavy metal stops for no one. "

It is very concerning that during 2017-18 there was an increase in level crossing near misses, 248 incidents up from 187 the previous year.  Bridge strikes have also increased from 58 in 2016-17 to 107 in 2017-18, an 86% increase ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/ourperformance/safety-and-security )!.  There does seem to be a worrying attitude with vehicle operators of risk taking and dumb ignorance increasing.  So the Heavy Metal campaign is important, attention needs to given to preventing bridge strikes as well.

With level crossings the best solution in the end is removal.  There are some priority level crossings in SEQ that should be removed, not only for safety reasons but also for congestion mitigation.  We agree with the SEQ Council of Mayors with their priorities (see below).  Feedback on our Facebook post SEQ Open Level Crossings and Grade Separation ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2170864172927758 ), also supports this priority.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ Attached:  https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2391.msg212117#msg212117 ]

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th August 2018

Bridge strikes increasing!

Greetings,

There has been an 86% increase in the number of times vehicles have struck railway bridges. Bridge strikes are potentially a great risk, and constantly lead to disruptions on the rail network.

Bridge strikes have  increased from 58 in 2016-17 to 107 in 2017-18, an 86% increase ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/ourperformance/safety-and-security )!





A number of bridges now have protection beams, but they still are regularly struck by oversize vehicles. The beams protect the actual bridges but there are still very serious risks to other road users and bystanders when struck.

We suggest that steps need to be taken now before there is a serious bridge strike. It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

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 companies be responsible for ensuring drivers have designated safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and the documented route selection. Particularly important for weekend removal-van hire.

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.

Queensland Rail does take Bridge strike protection very seriously ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/bridge-strike-protection ).  But there needs to be more support from Government, Police, and the road transport authorities to get rid of this scourge.

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

Typical weekend bridge strike



https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/whoops-rental-truck-crashes-in-to-bridge/3479453/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028136504839684096

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028137005119463424

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028145497679089665

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th August 2018

Re: Bridge strikes increasing!

Good Morning,

Sunday!  Beware those hire vans driving into bridges!

Interesting feedback on our Facebook post on Bridge Strikes at https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2182618415085667

I drove a pantec for a distributor earlier this year. I worked out that most of our drivers were overloaded most days and did not know the height of any given vehicle they might be assigned to drive. I learned that the transport and logistics industry is woefully under-regulated. Many drivers are expected to use their own satnav devices. Many of these devices use outdated map data. We certainly were not advised on how to avoid bridge strikes.

Looks like some urgent work needs to be done Minister Bailey, and DTMR.  Bridge strikes can be brought under control if you all get into gear!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

11th August 2018

Bridge strikes increasing!

Greetings,

There has been an 86% increase in the number of times vehicles have struck railway bridges. Bridge strikes are potentially a great risk, and constantly lead to disruptions on the rail network.

Bridge strikes have  increased from 58 in 2016-17 to 107 in 2017-18, an 86% increase ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/ourperformance/safety-and-security )!





A number of bridges now have protection beams, but they still are regularly struck by oversize vehicles. The beams protect the actual bridges but there are still very serious risks to other road users and bystanders when struck.

We suggest that steps need to be taken now before there is a serious bridge strike. It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

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 companies be responsible for ensuring drivers have designated safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and the documented route selection. Particularly important for weekend removal-van hire.

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.

Queensland Rail does take Bridge strike protection very seriously ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/bridge-strike-protection ).  But there needs to be more support from Government, Police, and the road transport authorities to get rid of this scourge.

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

Typical weekend bridge strike



https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/whoops-rental-truck-crashes-in-to-bridge/3479453/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028320603961356288

[ozbob]

From the Sunday Mail 12th August 2018 page 24

Level crossing safety push

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028470869364858880

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 13th August 2018 page 13

Truckies' threat from above on the climb

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028679063957729280

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028680331530915840

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1031340281507983360

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th August 2018 resent 27th August 2018

Bridge strikes increasing!

Greetings,

There has been an 86% increase in the number of times vehicles have struck railway bridges. Bridge strikes are potentially a great risk, and constantly lead to disruptions on the rail network.

Bridge strikes have  increased from 58 in 2016-17 to 107 in 2017-18, an 86% increase ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/ourperformance/safety-and-security )!





A number of bridges now have protection beams, but they still are regularly struck by oversize vehicles. The beams protect the actual bridges but there are still very serious risks to other road users and bystanders when struck.

We suggest that steps need to be taken now before there is a serious bridge strike. It is only a matter of time before we have a disaster unless urgent action is taken.

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 companies be responsible for ensuring drivers have designated safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and the documented route selection. Particularly important for weekend removal-van hire.

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.

Queensland Rail does take Bridge strike protection very seriously ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/bridge-strike-protection ).  But there needs to be more support from Government, Police, and the road transport authorities to get rid of this scourge.

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

Typical weekend bridge strike



https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/whoops-rental-truck-crashes-in-to-bridge/3479453/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1041607579732860928

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Truck stuck at Brisbane CBD rail bridge during peak hour

Stopped just in time ...

An oversize truck has become stuck at the rail bridge at the intersection of Countess Street and Roma Street in Brisbane's CBD, holding up peak-hour traffic.

The truck turned down Countess Street heading into the CBD and stopped just before the rail bridge when the driver realised he could not pass underneath the bridge.

Queensland Police said initial reports were the truck had become wedged under the bridge but the truck had managed to stop just beforehand.

Police asked commuters to avoid the area if possible as traffic delays were expected as they worked to reverse the truck back up the street to leave the area.

Queensland Traffic said traffic was stopped on Countess Street and Secombe Street, while delays continued to build along Kelvin Grove Road, Petrie Terrace and the off-ramp from the Inner City Bypass.

The truck successfully reversed free of the road by 8.45am and QLDTraffic said delays were expected to ease quickly.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1044112728435023872

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Huge increase in 'dangerous' incidents, transport delays

TRUCKS dangerously colliding with bridges, causing major delays and expensive damage to Queensland's traffic network have increased at an alarming rate.

Between the 2017-2018 and 2016-2017 financial years bridge strikes increased by a whopping 70 per cent.

The significant increase in incidents, which also put other road users in danger, has sparked calls for immediate licence suspensions for those responsible, along with hefty fines.

A 'bridge strike' is when a truck crashes into a bridge where the railway passes over a road because the vehicle is too high to fit underneath.

During the 2017-2018 year there were 94 bridge strikes reported across southeast Queensland's rail network.

Queensland Rail has recently spent $4.8 million installing new prevention, detection and protection measures on bridges from Brisbane to Ipswich, north to the Sunshine Coast and south to the Gold Coast.

But the figures show drivers are still not getting the message. 

Just this month a bridge strike at Chelmer caused major major delays on the Ipswich and Springfield lines.

The truck became wedged under the rail bridge near the corner of Bridge St and Honour Ave.

Major delays for commuters

Queensland Rail Executive General Manager Nick King said the 94 incidents reported in 2017-2018 caused delays to more than 700 transport services, affecting 184,000 customers. 

"Which is extremely frustrating for both us and of course the 184,000 customers who were impacted as a result," Mr King said.

"Not only do bridge strike incidents have the ability to be extremely dangerous for the motorists involved, but they can also cause costly damage to our infrastructure and lengthy delays to our customers while we carry out bridge inspections and any required repairs."

Drivers responsible for bridge strikes face fines of up to $1,009 and four demerit points for damaging Queensland Rail infrastructure. 

Call for harsher punishment

Rail Back On Track transport advocate Robert Dow wants those penalties increased.

Mr Dow praised Queensland Rail for taking bridge strikes "very seriously" but said there needed to be more support from other government agencies including police and transport authorities to "get rid of this scourge".

"The first offence should be a three to six-month automatic licence suspension with fine, and cost recovery. The second offence should be a lifetime ban," Mr Dow said.   

"We need more education campaigns, bridge protection and warnings. Transport companies need to be responsible for ensuring drivers have designated safe routes as well as the driver acknowledging their height and documented route selection, which is particularly important for weekend removal van hire."

Mr Dow said another measure could be an in house can warning device that sounds when the truck is approaching a low-level bridge.

Queensland Rail's Mr King also highlighted the importance of preparation and planning.

"Each of (the reported) incidents could have easily been avoided," Mr King said.

"And we're urging motorists to take three simple steps: know the height and load of your vehicle, plan your route in advance to avoid rail bridges where your vehicle is over-height, and lastly - pay attention and adhere to alternate routes in place."   

Queensland Rail's fight to stop taxpayers footing the bill and prevent strikes

Queensland Rail Executive General Manager Nick King said his organisation actively pursued drivers for the cost of repairs following bridge strikes.

In 2014, one bridge strike caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage and bent tracks on the Nambour line.

"The cost of repairs would otherwise be borne by taxpayers," Mr King said.

"For the past two financial years Queensland Rail has recovered $33,020."

The $4.8 million was spent installing new bridge strike prevention beams at Dakabin, Wynnum, Goodna and at Countess Street in Brisbane's CBD.

Similar beams are installed at Price Street in Nambour, Allwood Street in Indooroopilly, Muriel Avenue in Moorooka and Annerley Road in Dutton Park.

"Protection measures can vary from site to site, and can also include height chimes, and state-of-the-art over-height detection systems with active signage," Mr King said.

"These new technologies and detection systems provide real-time alerts to Queensland Rail staff when a strike happens and allow for remote inspections to reduce the time it takes to resume services.

"Bridge strike detection systems have helped to improve reporting of strikes as they happen and since 2017, 22 additional systems have been installed at (22 bridges)."

Strikes are "completely avoidable"

Every single bridge in the southeast Queensland rail network has clear height clearance signage and many also have protection beams.

Transport advocate Mr Dow said while the beams protect the bridges, road users and bystanders were still at "very serious risk".

"A number of bridges now have protection beams, but they still are regularly struck by oversize vehicles," Mr Dow said. 

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

Queensland Rail Executive General Manager Nick King said with the existing warnings and signage, there was really "no excuse" for drivers.

"It's up to motorists to be alert and know their vehicle's height and load," Mr King said.

"This message is particularly important for people who may not be used to driving over-height vehicles, such as rental truck drivers, or those who might've recently gotten themselves a new truck or caravan.

"Before you head on the road, learn your vehicle's height and plan your route accordingly, steering clear of any rail bridges where your vehicle is over-height." 

Top 10 Bridge Strike Locations (2017-18)

1.       Oxley Road, Corinda

2.       Logan Road, Buranda

3.       Pickering Street, Gaythorne

4.       Pine Street, Wynnum

5.       Muriel Avenue, Rocklea

6.       Dunlop Terrace, Corinda

7.       Boomerang Street, Milton

8.       Ernest Street, South Brisbane

9.       Annerley Road, Park Road

10.       Bergin Street, Booval

[Cazza]

You can add another one to the Pickering St tally

"Trains suspended: Ferny Grove line

Trains on the Ferny Grove line have been suspended in both directions due to a vehicle striking a bridge in Gaythorne.
Customers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes.
Bridge inspectors are enroute."

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/199861