Another truck hits and gets stuck under a bridge ....

[ozbob]

The unfortunate regular occurrence of trucks hitting rail over bridges is completely avoidable.  Some investment in warning gauges on the approaches for the bridges is needed.  These are structures that provide an obvious audible and visual warning as a truck approaches a bridge.  If the vehicle is over the height restriction it triggers the alarm devices alerting the driver and allowing the truck time to stop before hitting the bridge.



From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Truck wedged under rail bridge

Truck wedged under rail bridge
Melissa Singer | February 17, 2009 - 4:05PM

A truck carrying a shipping container has become wedged under a railway bridge in Brisbane's west.

The truck became stuck under the 3.6-metre high bridge on Oxley Road at Corinda shortly after 3.30pm.

A Translink spokesman said a 5kmh speed limit had been enforced on the bridge, but that the accident had not caused any structural damage.

Oxley Road is currently closed in both directions at Corinda and motorists are advised to seek an alternate route.

The condition of the truck driver is not yet known.

[ozbob]

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

[mufreight]

Another instance of negligence by the driver of a road vehicle, a few instances of the driver being charged with negligent operation of a vehicle causing damage and the driver or his/her insurer becoming responsible for the full costs of the damage and costs involved as a consequence of such an incident would see this type of negligence come to a halt pretty quickly.
Drivers should be held responsibe for their own negligence and if incompetent to do so should not be driving and it should not be necessicary for the community to protect itself and them for their own stupidity, ignorance or impatience, a matter of personal responsibility just like level crossing incidents.

[Dean Quick]

This is just another example of the ignorance and total contempt drivers of heavy vehicles have for basic road rules. The recent level crossing
fatalities involving heavy vehicles and associated warnings have obviously gone unheeded. Its time for fines and penalties for such stupidity to reflect the potential disastrous consequences. 

[Otto]

Another truck has come to a sudden halt under a rail bridge today. This incident happened about 11:30am under the Buranda rail bridge at Logan Road. The truck was stuck fast and traffic was left to negotiate a way past on what is already a blind bend under the bridge.