24 July 2010: SEQ: Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos ...

[#Metro]

And with all due respect Lapdog, I'd ask that to those who live near a rail level crossing - I've seen plenty of noise complaints in my time with residents living near level crossings.  The klaxon being one of the most common complaints.

Happy to take your other points but this one is a laugh! What resident KNOWINGLY lives near a crossing and then complains?!

[HappyTrainGuy]

And with all due respect Lapdog, I'd ask that to those who live near a rail level crossing - I've seen plenty of noise complaints in my time with residents living near level crossings.  The klaxon being one of the most common complaints.

Happy to take your other points but this one is a laugh! What resident KNOWINGLY lives near a crossing and then complains?!

Dumbasses. That's who. The same type of clown that moves next to a international racing and test track that was built back in the 1920's or earlier and then complains that cars are too loud. Geebung residents will soon finally have their win over trains being too loud but I hope to god they leave the W sign up on approach. Limit horn blowing..... oh please. Why the f**k did you move next to a railway corridor that has been there since 1890. Hey, LP..... we should campaign for trains to copy the Americans and have a bell constantly ringing. You know residents would love it! 

[Golliwog]

The thing is, do you really think you're going to see the government do something that is going to p%ss off the trucking industry and the businesses who rely on it? Yes, there's a definite safety aspect here, but there are other examples with potentially worse outcomes that are treated the same way.

Break the rules? Here's your slap on the wrist, now get back on your way.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Cr Paul Tully Goodna ‏@PaulTully 14m

Not again! Truck stuck under Layard St underpass Goodna.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@PaulTully As predicted ... sadly --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg130326#msg130326 ... Really is time @scottemersonmp got this sorted ... #qldpol #bridgestrikes

[ozbob]

Twitter

Cr Paul Tully Goodna ‏@PaulTully 2m

Truck stuck at Layard St Goodna underpass. Police are diverting traffic. When will DTMR install warning dangles?
http://t.co/TNPEZX1PYR

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



Truck has hit the first bridge, highway overbridge and not the rail bridge this time.

Although  a while back a truck managed to hit both simultaneously ...   

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22nd August 2013

Re: Bridge strikes

Greetings,

As predicted ... bridge strike at Goodna!


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BSOPiiQCcAA7cqT.jpg:large

Not hard to sort it.  How to fix, no consultation fees, just commonsense.

1.  Make a bridge strike a significant offence.  First offence automatic 6 month licence suspension, 2nd life.  It goes without saying full cost recovery as well.

2.  In cab alerts.

3.  Put protective barriers/beams on all significant bridges.  As can been seen at Palmwoods, it is not that difficult.  Of course appropriate warnings, tell tales and the like as well.

Have a great day!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

Re: Bridge Strikes

20th August 2013

Greetings,

Hello.  Bridge strike happening near you shortly!  Hope the errant vehicle doesn't fall on your loved ones.

Appalling.

Have a great day in fantasy land.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

19th August 2013

Re: Bridge strikes

Greetings,

Will we see decisive action today by Government?  Come on, 68 bridge strikes already this year.  What ever TMR is doing is not working is it?

It was no freak accident that killed the cyclist, it was a bridge strike with tragic consequences we have warning about for years.

Check out the bridge protection at Palmwoods.   Good model don't you think?

-->

Automatic licence suspensions are needed to help focus the minds of heavy vehicle operators for those who continue to drive into bridges as well as decent protection as for Palmwoods.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

17th August 2013

Bridge strikes

Greetings,

Sadly yet another bridge strike today, with an associated fatality.  RIP.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/cyclist-crushed-after-truck-strikes-rail-bridge-and-overturns-in-brisbane8217s-inner-south/story-fnihsrf2-1226698849923

What will it take to put these drivers off the road for life?  Nothing else will do.

Yours in not much confidence,

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

Sent to all outlets:

25th October 2012

Bridge Strikes

Greetings,

Yet another:

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1351135072

Trains suspended: Morayfield-Caboolture stations

Last updated: 1.30pm Thursday 25 October 2012

Trains are suspended between Morayfield and Caboolture stations due to a truck hitting the rail bridge behind Morayfield Shopping Centre, near Visentin Road.

Customers should expect delays of 30 minutes in both directions.

Please note that the 1.14pm Nambour-Roma Street and 1.22pm Caboolture-Roma Street trains are being held at Caboolture station until the incident clears.

  Alternative bus services between Caboolture and Morayfield train stations include:

651: (Caboolture northwest to Caboolture station)

653: (Caboolture to Morayfield via Bellmere)

654: (Morayfield to Caboolture via Bellmere) Modify message

Minister Emerson acted with respect to level crossings.  It is time to take some further measures to force heavy vehicle operators to take measures to avoid bridge strikes.

We have raised the issue for years.  Constant delays to the public transport and road network due to bridge strikes is costly.  There is also the risk of serious injury following a bridge strike.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

Media Release 24 July 2010  re-released 24 October 2012

SEQ:  Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos on south-east Queensland roads

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 again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes under control (1). 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 Queensland Transport.

"Yesterday, yet another heavy vehicle struck a rail bridge on the Ipswich railway line.  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."

"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."

"Warning devices such as tell tails, and protective crossbeams on busy thoroughfares 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. Full cost recovery for the chaos caused by bridge strikes and licence sanctions are also necessary."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes 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 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. We call on the Minister for Transport to direct that Queensland Transport snaps into gear!"

Reference:

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

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Repetitive bridge strikes have effects.

Some photographs of the bridges at Layard St Goodna.  The massive concrete structure for the highway is protection in itself.  The rail bridge however is obviously at lot more risk.











Photographs R Dow 22 Aug 2013

[ozbob]

Long St East Graceville.

This used to be a regular bridge strike location.  A number of years ago we highlighted this on the media and to TMR's credit action was taken.

Approach northern side  to the bridge is blind effectively.  On this side is a sturdy protective beam, which has been struck a number of times. 

Approach southern side is protected by tell tails.  Which have been hit many times as well.


Approach from the south



Approach from the northern side










Southern approach side









Photographs R Dow 22 Aug 2013

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 23rd August 2013 page 5

'Bridge hits must stop before a life is lost'

http://www.qt.com.au/news/truck-stuck-below-railway-underpass-layard-st/1993793/



The truck upper left is one that managed to hit both the road and rail bridges at the same time at Goodna! 
The driver absconded from the scene following the strike.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23rd August 2013

Re: Bridge strikes

Greetings,

Repetitive bridge strikes have effects -->   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg130405#msg130405

Some photographs of the bridges at Layard St Goodna.  The massive concrete structure for the highway is protection in itself.  The rail bridge however is obviously at lot more risk.

Long Street East Graceville -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg130406#msg130406

This used to be a regular bridge strike location.  A number of years ago we highlighted this on the media and to TMR's credit action was taken.

Approach northern side  to the bridge is blind effectively.  On this side is a sturdy protective beam, which has been struck a number of times.

Approach southern side is protected by tell tails.  Which have been hit many times as well.

Thanks to Queensland Times for highlighting this issue today as well.  --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg130415#msg130415

Where will the next bridge strike be?  Hope it is not a truck falling on you ...

Have a great day on the very dangerous roads in SEQ.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[STB]

While on route 240 yesterday, a truck was about to turn into Pine Street but very quickly changed his mind when he saw the low bridge warnings ahead of him (Cleveland line between Manly and Wynnum Central stations).

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Trucks getting stuck under rail bridges at a rate of one a week

... NOT even the installation of laser detectors has been enough to stop trucks getting stuck under rail bridges at a rate of more than one a week in the past year.

Footage provided by Transport and Main Roads shows how flashing warning signs at sites in Indooroopilly and Corinda are being ignored by truck drivers - with dire consequences.

In the 12 months to June 30, the number of rail bridge strikes almost doubled - jumping from 33 the previous year to 60 - resulting in more than 200 train service delays or cancellations.

The increase came despite the addition of infrared laser detectors at eight of the most at-risk locations to read the height of approaching trucks and issue a warning ...

[ozbob]

Bridge Impact Detection System - BIDS --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5999.0

BIDS is not fool proof as shown above ^.  There has been a marginal reduction in strikes at the BIDS sites.

Visual warnings are not enough.  In cab alerts, better tell-tales/protective beams.  Driver sanctions to focus minds.

[ozbob]

Bridge strike discussion today on 4BC Newstalk after 4pm news ...

[ozbob]

Bridge strike discussion today on 4BC Newstalk after 4pm news ...

Thanks 4BC for the opportunity.  Hopefully bridge strikes can be greatly reduced if not eliminated.

[ozbob]

Over the last 9 years there have been around 400 bridge strikes on railway bridges.

Jul 2012 - June 2013  there were 60.  The previous year 33.

According to the Sunday Mail there have been 68 this year already.

Increasing traffic, congestion, is no doubt contributing to the escalation.  It is time to act to stop them.

[ozbob]

4BC Bridge Hits Must Stop

Posted by: staff writers | staff writers 23 August, 2013 - 6:54 PM
Truck

4BC Drive:There have been calls for better height restriction warnings after yet another truck struck the under-side of the Ipswich Motorway at Goodna.

Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track tells Gary Hardgrave changes must be made to the bridge the truck hit.

--> here!

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Time to step up to the plate Minister @scottemersonmp http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg131533#msg131533 ... everyone has had enough of these bridge strikes ... #qldpol

[ozbob]

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1379371590

Trains suspended due to truck striking rail bridge

Last updated: 8.47am Tuesday 17 September 2013

Trains are currently suspended between Redbank and Gailes stations due to a truck stricking the rail bridge at Layard Street, Goodna.

Customers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Yet another bridge strike at Goodna --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg131595#msg131595 ... Time for action hey Minister @scottemersonmp enough! #qldpol

[ozbob]

From the Quest South West News 25th September 2013 page 16

Truck strikes a huge risk

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Mayhem on the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane after semi-trailer smashes into overpass

[ozbob]

Twitter

Penny Dahl (Cameron) ‏@Pennycopter

Massive delays Bruce Hwy BLOCKED southbound due to a two truck smash at the Anzac Ave overpass at North Lakes - AVOID
http://t.co/Zfwxu8kSbx



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

Twitter

Nine News Brisbane ‏@9NewsBrisbane 43m

Truck collision on Bruce Highway at Mango Hill. Traffic travelling south can expect two hour delays #bnetraffic
http://t.co/cFmeYDDoGD

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/1921/details

No further delays due to earlier bridge strike incident

Last updated: 12.18pm Monday 11 November 2013

Trains travelling in both directions between Central station and Cleveland station are back to normal schedule following  an earllier bridge strike near Buranda Station.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th November 2013

Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos on south-east Queensland roads

Greetings,

Another bridge strike at Buranda yesterday -->   http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/1921/details

The truck cowboys still don't get it do they?  By the way the trucks are still speeding and tail-gating on the Ipswich Highway.  Any one care?

Catch a train if you can .. providing it is not stopped because of a .... bridge strike!!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media Release 24 July 2010 re-released 12 November 2013

SEQ:  Bridge strikes continue amidst the chaos on south-east Queensland roads

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 again called for urgent action to bring bridge strikes under control (1). 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 Queensland Transport.

"Yesterday, yet another heavy vehicle struck a rail bridge on the Ipswich railway line.  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."

"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."

"Warning devices such as tell tails, and protective crossbeams on busy thoroughfares 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. Full cost recovery for the chaos caused by bridge strikes and licence sanctions are also necessary."

"It is farcical that these bridge strikes 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 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. We call on the Minister for Transport to direct that Queensland Transport snaps into gear!"

Reference:

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

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/2926/details

Trains suspended: Roma St to Auchenflower

Last updated: 1.42pm Tuesday 26 November 2013

Ipswich/Rosewood line trains are currently suspended in both directions from Roma Street to Auchenflower due to a bridge strike at Milton station. Technicians are en route. Customers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Annerley Rd rail bridge down for upgrade

The Newman Government will construct protection beams on one of inner Brisbane's most notorious rail bridge.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the bridge at Annerley Road, Dutton Park would be the first to be upgraded as part of a $3.6 million program to prevent over-height vehicles colliding with rail bridges.

"Protection beams will be installed on both approaches to the bridge, which has been struck eight times since July 2010, including a tragic death of a cyclist earlier this year," Mr Emerson said.

"While we can't stop careless drivers crashing into rail bridges, I want to do more to protect our infrastructure and reduce the impact on passenger services and other road users.

"While the Annerley Rd bridge is already fitted with height gauges and signage, protection beams, installed square to the road, would also reduce the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over should it strike the beam."

Queensland Rail is preparing to call for tenders to design and construct the added protection with work due to begin next year.

"There are currently a range of measures in place to reduce the likelihood and impact of bridge strikes, including Bridge Impact Detection Systems – laser detectors with flashing signage and video recording – at two Brisbane locations," Mr Emerson said.

"While we are doing everything we can to improve safety at rail bridges the responsibility still lies with the driver to know the height of their vehicle."

There were 60 reported bridge strikes across the Queensland Rail network in the last financial year and since the start of 2012, the government has successfully settled six claims totalling more than $200,000 with motorists who have damaged rail bridges.

Motorists who damage Queensland Rail infrastructure, including bridges, also face penalties of up to $8,800.

[ENDS] 3 December 2013

[ozbob]

Twitter

QPS Media Unit ‏@QPSmedia 4m

Traffic hazard: Truck wedged under rail bridge, Est bound lane of Woombye-Palmwoods Rd. Motorists advised to avoid the area. #qldtraffic

[ozbob]

Truck has struck the protective beam and not the actual bridge.   Pics of the protection --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9223.0

[Stillwater]

1.43pm from Nambour delayed about 20-25mins.  Good announcements at Landsborough explaining the situation.

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily 5th December 2013 page 7

It's life in the (stuck) fast lane



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

Great photograph.  Our long advocacy for bridge protection is starting to pay off ...

[bcasey]

Do you know if there are commercially available GPS devices that consider bridge heights in calculating their optimal trips? I'm not sure how high-tech trucking companies and truck drivers are these days.

If the bridge height data was available publically, either through the State or Local government data portals, or crowdsourced via OpenStreetMaps, it would be relatively easy for a developer to create an app for truck drivers, where they could set the height of their vehicle, and it could plan the quickest journey while avoiding roads where bridges are too low for their vehicle. It could also avoid roads where their vehicles are too heavy and risk damaging the roads.

Of course, it would require the driver to actually follow the path that the application provides them, but in any case, the app could sound an alarm if they enter a road where they will hit a bridge, to help prevent them from actually hitting a bridge, similar to your in-cab alerts Ozbob.

[ozbob]

And another ...  whammo!

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

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/3821/details

Trains suspended: Woombye to Palmwoods

Last updated: 2.12pm Thursday 12 December 2013

Sunshine Coast line trains are currently suspended between Palmwoods and Woombye stations due to a bridge strike. Technicians are en route.

As a result, the following service is delayed:

    The 1.43pm Nambour to Roma Street train may experience delays of up to 45 minutes. It is now due to arrive at Caboolture station at 3.30pm and at Roma Street station at 4.15pm.

[Fares_Fair]

Second truck in a week hits Palmwoods rail bridge

Sunshine Coast Daily, p2.
Friday 13 December 2013

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/second-truck-in-a-week-hits-palmwoods-rail-bridge/2114014/

QUEENSLAND Rail has aired its frustrations after a truck hit the Palmwoods rail bridge for the second time in less than a week.

A Brisbane City train was delayed for 20 minutes yesterday afternoon after a truck struck the rail bridge.

A QR spokeswoman said an inspector attended and advised it was safe for services to resume around 2.30pm.

She said the over-height vehicle left the scene before the bridge inspector arrived, but QR has reported the incident to police.

The Palmwoods-Woombye Rd bridge has protection beams installed on the approach, but in both cases the trucks kept coming, the spokeswoman said.

"The protection beam at this bridge was struck by an over-height vehicle just last week, and we're frustrated these incidents are causing unnecessary delays for our customers," the spokeswoman said.

Motorists who damage Queensland Rail infrastructure, including bridges, face maximum penalties of $8800.

QR may also pursue motorists for the cost of any repair work required following a bridge strike.

[SurfRail]

Damaging rail infrastructure through negligence like this should involve a $15,000 fine and loss of licence for at least 3 years - and penalties imposed on the employer if they are not owner-drivers.  Considering it is mainly truck drivers, something that actually affects their living should have a decent kick.

[ozbob]

And ...

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

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/4191/details

Train suspended: South Brisbane-Park Road

Last updated: 11.21am Friday 20 December 2013

Beenleigh, Gold Coast and Cleveland line trains are suspended in both directions between South Brisbane and Park Road due to a bridge strike at Annerley Road. Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected.

Bridge inspectors and police are en route.

[SurfRail]

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/4341/details

Trains resumed: Buranda - Park Road

Last updated: 11.06am Tuesday 24 December 2013

Cleveland line trains have resumed in both directions between Buranda and Park Road stations after an earlier bridgestrike on Logan Road. Customers can expect some residual delays.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/5171/details

Trains suspended: Roma Street-Milton

Last updated: 2.50pm Wednesday 15 January 2014

Ipswich and Springfield line trains are suspended in both directions between Roma Street to Milton stations due to a bridge strike at Cribb Street, Milton. Customers can expect delays up to 30 minutes.

The 2.22pm Bowen Hills to Ipswich train will still operate but travel via the Tennyson Loop, stations between Roma Street and Corinda will be missed.

Bridge inspectors are en route.