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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th January 2014

Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today.

Greetings,

On one of the most important days for rail and public transport in SEQ ever, two boom gate strikes have already caused delays, not only for the public transport network but also the road network. Serious incident in Toowoomba Friday night.  It is time that serious sanctions were imposed on these clowns.  Life time suspensions make actually endear the behaviour change that is lacking with selfish motorists in Queensland.

What's new?

Best wishes
Robert

Contact:

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

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

Media Release 29 May 2009 re-released 20 January 2014

Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today.

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 immediate action to stop road users causing chaos with the rail network, and for the Government to get serious about bridge strikes.

Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Yesterday on the QR Citytrain network more chaos from bridge strikes and motorists disregarding road rules and smashing into boom gates.  It is time that something was done!  Enough is enough."

"Heavy vehicles, buses and trucks must stop at all unprotected level crossings immediately and only proceed if safe to do so."

"We call on the Queensland Government to take decisive actions today before there is another disaster."

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Morayfield 5 pm 20th January 2014 ..

Twitter

Dave Andrews ‏@chopperdaveqld

Truck v rail bridge .. William Berry Dr behind M'field shopping centre - trains are suspended in both directions http://t.co/bLhrjZ0i1W

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/posts/729328913752138?stream_ref=10

Queensland Rail


    At around 7:15am, we received reports that a truck had struck the Price Street rail bridge just north of Nambour, forcing us to suspend rail traffic in both directions on the Sunshine Coast line from Nambour to Yandina.

    The rail bridge has been badly damaged and our engineers are on site assessing the safety of the bridge and tracks before trains can resume.

    We are arranging buses to transport our long distance and City network customers until the bridge can be reopened.

    Safety is our top priority and we cannot stress enough to motorists to always be aware of their heights and loads and to stay safe near the rail network.

    We will provide customers with an update as soon as more information becomes available.



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

Time for a new Transport Minister ...

[HappyTrainGuy]

 

[ozbob]

The bridge involved in this strike is one I have pointed out often as being an extremely weak link and at high risk.  Why nothing has been done about this bridge and in general is alarming.  Clearly the Transport Minister is unable to find the courage to lead the case for sanctions that will endear behaviour change, and to ensure TMR act to protect these bridges.  This line is a most important freight and passenger corridor.  How long will it be out for?  This is now an extremely serious matter.  Time for the Premier to act!

[ozbob]

This bridge strike might be the one to finally force some serious responses from Government.

Many people have scoffed at me over the years with our ongoing campaign concerning bridge strikes. They say things like the bridges are strong, they wont really be damaged etc. etc.  Hello?  Here is the proof of the real serious issue, struck repeatedly or in a critical manner it is possible for track to be misaligned (as above) and if a train approaches as it happens could lead to a serious derailment with loss of life, injuries and much damage.

A Government that does not act now does not deserve to remain in government ..

[Stillwater]

Mr Emerson has abrogated any responsibility for the North Coast Line, saying that it is a federal government responsibility.  Queensland will patch up the line, but will do nothing to rectify this situation in the long-term.  Its stated position is that planning for any improvement north of Nambour won't start until 2031.  (The magic number for both Labor and LNP.)  God knows when actual construction would occur -- maybe 2050?

In 2031, Nambour will be a vastly different place, with more traffic passing beneath the Price Street bridge, increasing the likelihood of another bridge strike.

The solution is to speed up resolution of the train stabling location at Nambour-Yandina and bring forward reconstruction of the Nambour railway station, possibly involving selling off air space above the station to help pay for the upgrade.  At the same time, fix the DDA access issue at Nambour.

While it's about doing these things, the government should put in a brand new bus interchange, integrated to the adjacent Nambour Civic Centre and new Coles supermarket complex.

The whole lot needs to be designed as a package and implemented as a package; and involve the private sector.

This would reinvigorate the Nambour CBD and be in keeping with planning for the line already in place.

What we will get, probably, is a reinforced crash barrier, similar to what has been installed at Palmwoods.  This would be a Band-Aid solution at best.

Mr Emerson is a political animal.  He and the LNP government have resolved that no non-essential government investment will occur in the electorate of Mr Peter Wellington MP (Ind., Nicklin), who they regard as a traiter.

Mr Emerson needs to put politics aside, open a dialogue with the SCRC and prepare a master plan makeover of the Nambour Railway Station precinct.

It won't happen, however.

[Stillwater]

Perhaps RailBOT could facilitate a 'Nambour rail summit' to discuss options.  Peter Wellington MP would be in it, as would the SCRC mayor and transport portfolio chair.  Another seat at the table should be occupied by a representative of the Nambour Alliance (Chamber of Commerce).

QR and Translink should be invited, but probably would be instructed by Mr Emerson to stay away.

The 'Nambour rail summit' could issue a communique calling on the state government to act on the SCL / NCL, including realignment at Palmwoods to overcome the bridge strike problem there.

[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."

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

[huddo45]

Someone on another forum was told that the cherry-picker that hit the Nambour bridge yesterday belongs to another Quensland Government Organisation.
Did QR manage to get eveything up and running by 4a.m. as estimated I wonder?

[ozbob]

Yes, line re-opened early this morning ..

[Fares_Fair]

Yes, line re-opened early this morning ..

Wow, that was quick     

[Derwan]

Harsher penalties (alone) won't work!

Harsher penalties mainly work in situations where people deliberately do something wrong but believe that they can get away with it.  They actually WANT to do it.  Having harsher penalties in those situations mean the consequences are greater - so people are more likely to think twice before trying to get away with it.

With bridge strikes, it's not as if people WANT to do it - or are trying to get away with it.  They happen because people are either inexperienced, stupid or a combination of both.  Either way a harsher penalty (alone) doesn't act as a deterrent.

It's quite likely that whatever the consequence, people who drive a truck into a bridge will NEVER do it again.  The shock of the accident will have them remembering it every time they go under a rail bridge or even overpasses - and they'll think about how high their vehicle is every time.

In order to actually PREVENT bridge strikes we need things like:

• Better education for truck drivers. They need to THINK every time they go under a bridge or overpass - even if the bridge/overpass is 5m high.  A combination of education and a harsher penalty might have an additional effect.  ("There's a bridge... check your height... Why?  Because if you hit it, you'll no longer have a licence or income!")  But a harsher penalty alone won't help if drivers haven't been taught to think about the height of their vehicle at every bridge or overpass.
• Better signage and technology on the approach to low overpasses.
• Engineering changes to roads/bridges to make bridges higher.  (Bridges under 5m should not be allowed!)
• As a last line of defence, there needs to be a heavy steel beam either side of the bridge. Let the trucks hit that instead of the bridge itself.

[ozbob]

All those things are well under way, many as a result of our urging.  Have a read of the thread. However the strikes still they continue.

Put them off the road.  It is only a stiff sanction that is going to concentrate a few minds.  I am past the bullsh%t ...

[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 ...

[ozbob]

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]

Yet another bridge strike, sadly a fatality as well. RIP.

We will continue to highlight this issue.

Couriermail --> Cyclist crushed after truck strikes rail bridge and overturns in Brisbane's inner south


http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/08/17/1226698/857864-ac77109c-06c6-11e3-9a28-770805032bb9.jpg

[dancingmongoose]

In order to actually PREVENT bridge strikes we need things like:

• Better education for truck drivers. They need to THINK every time they go under a bridge or overpass - even if the bridge/overpass is 5m high.  A combination of education and a harsher penalty might have an additional effect.  ("There's a bridge... check your height... Why?  Because if you hit it, you'll no longer have a licence or income!")  But a harsher penalty alone won't help if drivers haven't been taught to think about the height of their vehicle at every bridge or overpass.

This should not be necessary, truck drivers are supposed to go out and measure the route to make sure they fit underneath all obstacles. I know this because my dad's a truck driver. The continued strikes only proves they aren't doing their job properly

[ozbob]

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
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

[Derwan]

I would've thought GPS units would have all bridge heights - and that you could tell it how tall your vehicle is. Routing would automatically take you around any bridges that are too low - and maybe a warning would sound if it looks like the driver is heading towards a bridge that is too low (just like fixed speed cameras).

Does anyone know if this is possible?

[ozbob]

I would've thought GPS units would have all bridge heights - and that you could tell it how tall your vehicle is. Routing would automatically take you around any bridges that are too low - and maybe a warning would sound if it looks like the driver is heading towards a bridge that is too low (just like fixed speed cameras).

Does anyone know if this is possible?

Have a read here Derwan.  http://www.schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=340971&

It is important that GPS systems be specific for heavy vehicles, NOT the every day ...  this is a problem ..

[ozbob]

^ I have little doubt that some of the recent spate of bridge strikes are related to inappropriate GPS systems being used.  Hey, we even had idiots following GPS nav systems driving off the Ipswich Highway when the road works were proceeding and roads changing.  Authorities had to warn motorists to NOT follow the damn things ... 

I think that it is possible for special purpose nav system be developed for heavy vehicles, that can cope with routing around low level structures and also sound a cab warning if too close to a low level structure.  Good project for a university I reckon ..

[Derwan]

I find it amazing that GPS systems:

• Allow you to avoid toll roads
• Allow you to avoid unsealed (dirt) roads
• Warn you when you're close to a fixed speed camera (or any other number of safety-related locations such as school zones)

... and yet they can't do simple things like avoid or warn you about bridges that are too low for the vehicle that you're driving.

[Otto]

^
I think that it is possible for special purpose nav system be developed for heavy vehicles, that can cope with routing around low level structures and also sound a cab warning if too close to a low level structure.  Good project for a university I reckon ..

I believe a GPS for trucks does do that.

With a 5" screen and a ruggedised exterior, Navman's specialist GPS device guides truck drivers not only by planning routes, but is also packed with relevant information that truck drivers need, such as petrol stations and rest stops. The Navman My Truck GPS system will calculate the best route by avoiding roads that the vehicle cannot travel on, such as where there are height, width, length, weight, load, large vehicle and hazardous material restrictions. A multi-stop trip planning function on the Navman MY Truck will also calculate the most efficient route to get to multiple destinations.

http://www.navman.com.au/car-gps-devices/specialty/MYTRUCK/Overview/

Hey, we even had idiots following GPS nav systems driving off the Ipswich Highway when the road works were proceeding and roads changing.  Authorities had to warn motorists to NOT follow the damn things ... 

http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/story/104944/a-dip-in-the-bay/

[ozbob]

Good, but it also needs to be able to give active alerts, preferably a loud claxon in the cab on approach to low level structures.

[ozbob]

http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/story/104944/a-dip-in-the-bay/

[red dragin]

$599 for that GPS.

Just the digital log book function, lifetime maps and live traffic would make it a great investment.

[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

[Stillwater]

At Nambour, as well as a sideways displacement, the track was lifted 30cm by the force of the impact.  The height of the bridge at Nambour is just 3.3m.

Surely, the government should institute a works program that has as its objective the elimination of all railway bridges In Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast with a clearance of less than 3.6m.  Then go to all bridges shorter than 3.8m ... and so on.

It seems the LNP has adopted Labor's mantra of 'everything will be better in 2031'.

[ozbob]

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

[Fares_Fair]

Incredible, this artery up to Cairns was repaired in less than 24 hours!
Entire bridge span was replaced.
I hope to get some pictures later this afternoon.

[ozbob]

Yes indeed, marvellous repair effort. Need some protection for the bridge though.  Beams, Palmwoods style might be the go ..

[ozbob]

Repaired bridge



Photograph Fares_fair 26th January 2014

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Media release 26th January 2014



SEQ: Price St Nambour rail bridge - call for bridge protection

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 proper protection for the Price St rail bridge at Nambour.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"At 7.18am on the 24th January 2014, the Price St rail bridge at Nambour was struck by a heavy vehicle. This caused a lateral and vertical displacement of the rail line, and seriously damaged the bridge."

"It was extremely fortunate that trains in the area were immediately stopped. It is highly probable that a train at normal speed would have derailed such was the damage to the bridge."

"The rail bridge at Palmwoods is protected by sturdy beams. These beams have already saved the actual bridge from being struck a number of times (1)."

"Clearly, the Price St rail bridge needs similar protection."



Repaired Price St Nambour rail bridge ... no protection.  26th January 2014
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4141.msg138124#msg138124

"The North Coast Rail line is very important as a major freight corridor, and for passenger services.  Well done Queensland Rail for the rapid recovery of the bridge."

Reference:

1. Bridge strike prevention: Palmwoods style http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9223.0


http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9223.0;attach=631;image


Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Driver can expect damage bill after running into rail bridge

Driver can expect damage bill after running into rail bridge
Patrick Williams 28th Jan 2014 6:00 AM

THE driver of the truck which struck a rail bridge and bent the line at Nambour can expect the damage bill in the "hundreds of thousands of dollars".

Queensland Rail executive general manager Tim Ripper said the department would pursue the driver responsible for the cost of the damage to rail infrastructure following the incident on Price St on Friday.

Meanwhile, a support group for rail and public transport is calling for proper protection for the bridge to ensure any future incidents were not as damaging.

Passenger and freight train services were severely disrupted on Friday after a cherry picker struck the rail bridge.

The impact of the bridge strike was so significant that it bent the rail line up to 30cm above the normal height and damaged a girder on the side of the bridge.

Repair efforts continued well into the night as a crane was brought in to lower the bridge to the road below so a team of 15 construction workers and engineers could repair the damage.

Services resumed about 3.40am on Saturday.

Mr Ripper said in addition to the damage bill, the driver also faced a fine of up to $8800.

"These things aren't cheap," he said.

"These bridge strikes are extremely frustrating for us.

"We urge road users to be extra careful around railway lines, be it level crossings or low-level bridges.

"Any impact on these structures does impact on our ability to meet customer needs."

RAIL Back On Track spokesman Robert Dow said the incident was a wake-up call for proper protection beams to be added to the bridge.

"It was extremely fortunate that trains in the area were immediately stopped. It is highly probable that a train at normal speed would have derailed, such was the damage to the bridge," Mr Dow said.

"The rail bridge at Palmwoods is protected by sturdy beams.

"These beams have already saved the actual bridge from being struck a number of times.

"Clearly, the Price St rail bridge needs similar protection.

"The north coast rail line is very important as a major freight corridor, and for passenger services. Well done Queensland Rail for the rapid recovery of the bridge."

[ozbob]

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

Road users called on to improve their behaviour

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Drivers responsible for damaging Queensland rail bridges and boom gates pay $213,00 in seven months

DRIVERS who plough into rail bridges and boom gates causing widespread disruption are shelling out more than $30,000 a month for their poor judgement.

New figures show the State Government has clawed back $213,740 from drivers responsible for damaging rail infrastructure in the last seven months.

The sum works out to an average of about $5,000 per incident since last July. Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the amount recovered was in addition to $330,000 paid back in 2012-13.

"There have been three bridge strikes in the past week which includes an incident at Nambour last Friday which was not only dangerous but (it) also severely disrupted rail services costing thousands of dollars to repair and to provide alternative transport for commuters," Mr Emerson said ...

More --> Couriermail

[ozbob]

Fukwits ...

Twitter

TransLink SEQ ‏@TransLinkSEQ 20m

Ipswich/Springfield line trains resumed following earlier bridge strike near Indooroopilly station. #qr

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/6941/details

Trains suspended: Redbank-Gailes

Last updated: 2.18pm Tuesday 18 February 2014

Ipswich line trains are suspended in both directions between Redbank and Gailes stations due to a bridge strike at Layards Street, Goodna. Customers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

Bridge inspectors are en route.