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

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Rail Back on Track calls for tougher penalties for drivers who hit railway bridges after major network disruptions

Rail Back on Track calls for tougher penalties for drivers who hit railway bridges after major network disruptions

    by: Sherine Conyers, City News
    From: Quest Newspapers
    October 15, 2012 12:00AM

RAIL back on track is calling for tougher penalties for drivers who fail to view height clearances and hit railway bridges.

The call follows a 24-hour period of chaos on Friday where multiple train lines were disrupted after incidences involving vehicles at bridges and boom gates.

Yesterday the Sunday Mail revealed drivers who crashed through boom gates could be slapped with an $8800 fine under new penalties announced by the State Government.

But RBOT wants tougher penalties for drivers who fail to check height clearances as well.

On Friday trains on the Ipswich line were suspended between Goodna and Gailes train stations, due to a truck hitting the rail bridge at Layard Street, Goodna.

Another incident at Beams Road near Sunshine saw overhead powerlines come down.

And trains on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines were suspended between Fruitgrove and Kuraby, due to a vehicle hitting the boom gate at the Warrigal Road level crossing, Fruitgrove.

RBOT says commuters are tired of having their services disrupted and lives put at risk by drivers who fail to check height clearances.

Spokesman Robert Dow said those who hit cross-bridges should incur full recovery costs.

"Clearly, the present system of drivers theoretically knowing the traveling 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," he said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the State Government was committed to stepping up efforts to target careless drivers who damaged infrastructure.

"We are fed up with the costly damage and will continue to pursue drivers for the repair costs of infrastructure.

"We ask that people obey the warning signs and signals and stop – this could save them not only money but also their life," he said.

"It can sometimes costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair infrastructure particularly impatient or inattentive drivers that ignore warning signals and crash into boom gates."

In the 2011/12 financial year, Queensland Rail recorded 80 incidents where boom gates were struck by vehicles on the city network.

Queensland Rail has so far had 38 successful claims, recovering more than $200,000 since July 2010 but a further 63 claims will now be pursued.

[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]

Twitter

Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail

Meanwhile, on the Cleveland line.RT @corublo: Buranda rail bridge right now. @QueenslandRail  http://t.co/jmjylRb1

[ozbob]

Twitter

6h TransLink SEQ ‏@TransLinkSEQ

Cleveland line trains suspended Thornside - Wellington Pt due to a vehicle colliding with a rail bridge at Thornside. 30 min delays expected

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 28th November 2012 page 5

Hire truck is caught in a sticky situation

[ozbob]

Twitter

4h TransLink SEQ TransLink SEQ ‏@TransLinkSEQ

Cleveland line: Trains suspended btwn Lindum + Manly stns due to vehicle hitting rail bridge. Expect 1 hr delays

[ozbob]

Not exactly a true ' bridge strike ' ... but I think you will get the message ...

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

Twitter

Heidi Murphy ‏@heidimur

Truck crashes into the roof of a Box Hill servo. #whoops http://t.co/oNBCPNnC



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

Couriermail --> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/truck-wedged-under-canopy-at-a-shell-service-station-in-box-hill/story-fndo1wyv-1226544966011

[ozbob]

Undefeated - The Toughest Bridge in the World

The Durham train trestle has stood its ground for the last 100 years.
This fact doesn't deter some drivers from challenging the bridge about once a month. all of them fail.

From http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3c0_1351184890

[red dragin]

I hope when they replace that bridge one day, that they don't turn it into razor blades!

[somebody]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Fines quadruple for stuck truck drivers

Fines quadruple for stuck truck drivers
Daniel Hurst
March 7, 2011 - 4:06PM

The fine issued to careless truck drivers who plough into railway bridges will be quadrupled in Queensland.

New Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the penalty for drivers who disregarded clearance height signs and hit bridges or tunnels would soon increase from $100 to $400.

The practice would also attract four demerit points, up from the current penalty of three.

Ms Palaszczuk said 340 over-height vehicles had hit rail bridges in southeast Queensland in the past eight years.

"The penalty for causing damage to tunnels and bridges has been increased because the community is sick and tired of the cost and inconvenience caused by a small minority of careless truck drivers," she said in a statement.

"It may not seem like much, but when a truck hits a tunnel, or in particular a rail bridge, there is immediate disruption to the road and rail network.

"The bridge must be checked to ensure that there is no structural damage before trains can travel over it again which can mean public transport services have to be delayed or cancelled."

In August last year, the state government said the worst bridges for over-height truck strikes included Pine Street at Wynnum, Park Road at Woolloongabba, Sherwood Road at Rocklea, Long Street East at Graceville, Sylvan Road at Toowong and Pickering Street at Gaythorne.

It said it would try to stop further truck crashes at six low-height bridges with a $1 million program to install height gauges.

Ms Palaszczuk said the newly installed height gauges chimed loudly when an over-height vehicle hit them, providing a clear warning that there was a low-level bridge ahead.

But she said ultimate responsibility lay with the driver.

The new fines will take effect at the end of the month.

You might be interested that the penalty in NSW is $2052 and 6 demerit points on the spot: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/heavyvehicles/oversizeovermass/overheight.html

I think the 6 demerit points, half one's licence, is probably enough to get many drivers to notice.

In Vic it's not quite as harsh and carries no demerit points: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/4E18937B-C49F-4F9E-B498-1B6F7C3AAC86/0/FinesandPenalties201213.pdf
2509 Fail to obey low clearance or clearance sign 253(1) - 5.00 704.20
253(3) - 5.00 704.20
253(4) - 5.00 704.20

[ozbob]

Bridge strikes continue ...  another Palmwoods this morning ...

[ozbob]

Bridge strike Buranda ...   idiot alert ...

David Gascoigne ‏@gassy_68 4m

@612brisbane truck hits Buranda railway bridge on Logan Rd. Outbound lanes blocked. http://t.co/KAcb1itAqu

[ozbob]

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1374095219

Trains suspended: between Goodna + Gailes

Last updated: 7.06am Thursday 18 July 2013

Trains are suspended in both directions between Goodna and Gailes stations due to a vehcile hitting the rail bridge on Layard Street at Goodna.

Delays up to 15 minutes are expected.

A Queensland Rail bridge inspector is en route and expected to be on-site soon.

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

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2m

@scottemersonmp Time you acted and put these idiots off the road for life --> http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1374095219 ... #qldpol #bridgestruckyetagainLNPfault

[ozbob]

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1374095219

Trains suspended: between Goodna + Gailes

Last updated: 7.06am Thursday 18 July 2013

Trains are suspended in both directions between Goodna and Gailes stations due to a vehcile hitting the rail bridge on Layard Street at Goodna.

Delays up to 15 minutes are expected.

A Queensland Rail bridge inspector is en route and expected to be on-site soon.

Twitter

Penny Dahl (Cameron) ‏@Pennycopter 2m

Trains suspended between Goodna and Gailes due to this truck failing to limbo under the Church St overpass http://t.co/kPq6Cj2GI8

[ozbob]

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

[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

[ozbob]

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

[#Metro]

If you look at Google Maps, both approaches to the bridge have gantries a good distance before the bridge to prevent trucks hitting it. There is one approach - Park Road - that doesn't have protection, but that would have required the truck to run through local streets which seems unlikely.

[Gazza]

Park Rd has one, but it only covers the turning lane into Annerley Rd.

[ozbob]

According to the Sunday Mail there have been 68 bridge strikes this year so far ..

[techblitz]

According to the Sunday Mail there have been 68 bridge strikes this year so far ..

bewildering indeed...government departments and truck companies need to survey and better educate truck drivers on varying aspects of encountering low bridges. Seems like a lot of them don't even know how high their trucks are. They are in too much of a rush that they lack forsight. They panic and cant think straight if they actually do pass the point of no return and end up just taking the risk...unoblivious to the clear warning signs around bridges.
More effort from all sides needed to reduce this problem which isn't on the improve.

[James]

Agreed techblitz - a lot of it is just plain ignorance by drivers.

One day I was having a quick bite to eat at the Indooroopilly Junction McDonalds - the one next to the rail bridge which frequently suffers strikes and has all the bells and whistles warning drivers who were over-height. Still did not stop this Star Track Express driver coming in at quite a speed, ignoring the LED warning sign saying "VEHICLE OVERHEIGHT" (which I can verify did happen) and crashing into the bridge carrying the suburbans.



   

[#Metro]

There is something called inattentional blindness.
When a person's mind is focused on a thought, visual information may only be processed superficially.
I think audible alerts like the rail crossing tone should sound upon approach  as this is NOT a visual channel.

These upgrades should be paid for using fine revenue from people hitting bridges and the like.

[ozbob]

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

[HappyTrainGuy]

I think some are design flawed by having the signs off centre and out of the direct field of view. Would be far better to have them above the lane so to say.

And LP. You'd think that a train horn is loud enough to warn drivers of approaching trains yet they still manage to crash into 300t of Imabouttokickyourass.

[minbrisbane]

Those electronic signs work, however; if the vehicle is travelling at 50-60km/h they'll be looking well beyond the bridge and they'll miss the sign altogether - hit the bridge.

[Fares_Fair]

According to the Sunday Mail there have been 68 bridge strikes this year so far ..

... and none of them were at Palmwoods I can assure you !   

[Golliwog]

Those electronic signs work, however; if the vehicle is travelling at 50-60km/h they'll be looking well beyond the bridge and they'll miss the sign altogether - hit the bridge.

If the sensors can detect the over-height vehicles and set off the electronic signs, then surely they could also set it up to trigger a nice loud airhorn or something else that would attract the drivers attention?

[ozbob]

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

[red dragin]

Airport link has a similar beam system, the tunnels are important enough to protect, why not a passenger train and other motorists.

The truck can't hit the bridge if it's now the correct height 

[johnnigh]

One must wonder at the standards of licence testing for truck driving. My guess is that TMR remains shot through with corruption (it's a market economy after all), in which case anyone in the know can buy their licence without rigorous testing (my family's experience is that the test for an ordinary car licence can't be described as rigorous) and the licence lasts, never re-tested, until old age, unless really extremely bad behaviour takes it away.

Add to that the fact that truck driving isn't a trade taken up by the smartest of us all, and we have the need for bridge protection as strong as that in the photo (similar to Long St Graceville).

But would that stop a truck falling over in the circumstances of Saturday's tragedy?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Depends on the type of truck and how the trailer deforms. In some cases it might prevent the truck from going on its side and others it might worsen the effect.

[#Metro]

One must wonder at the standards of licence testing for truck driving. My guess is that TMR remains shot through with corruption (it's a market economy after all), in which case anyone in the know can buy their licence without rigorous testing

Testing is not going to pick up these people. Most people are on their best behaviour during a test.
What should happen?

1. Fines for hitting the bridge
2. Court action to pay for costs

[ozbob]

One must wonder at the standards of licence testing for truck driving. My guess is that TMR remains shot through with corruption (it's a market economy after all), in which case anyone in the know can buy their licence without rigorous testing

Testing is not going to pick up these people. Most people are on their best behaviour during a test.
What should happen?

1. Fines for hitting the bridge
2. Court action to pay for costs

Cost recovery has been going on for a while.  It hasn't worked, companies just pay it.

Suspending drivers, eg. 6 months first,  life for a second will endear some improvements.

In driver cab alerts are needed.  Lound claxon/siren that triggers on approach.

Protective beams are good because if all the warnings still fail, at least the vehicle is stopped before the bridge itself.

[James]

If the sensors can detect the over-height vehicles and set off the electronic signs, then surely they could also set it up to trigger a nice loud airhorn or something else that would attract the drivers attention?

Nice in theory, bad in practice. Each time the horn would sound it would probably sound very loudly and disrupt residents. It may also shock the driver and possible produce a reaction that isn't necessarily hard breaking. I think the protection at Palmwoods is needed at every major railway bridge. Yes, one could say its over the top, but it will definitely work.

[ozbob]

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

[#Metro]

Nice in theory, bad in practice. Each time the horn would sound it would probably sound very loudly and disrupt residents. It may also shock the driver and possible produce a reaction that isn't necessarily hard breaking. I think the protection at Palmwoods is needed at every major railway bridge. Yes, one could say its over the top, but it will definitely work.

I don't think it would be any worse than the noises at a rail level crossing.

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.

"The serious risk of bridge strikes is that eventually a major incident may occur with possible loss of life."

[STB]

If the sensors can detect the over-height vehicles and set off the electronic signs, then surely they could also set it up to trigger a nice loud airhorn or something else that would attract the drivers attention?

Nice in theory, bad in practice. Each time the horn would sound it would probably sound very loudly and disrupt residents. It may also shock the driver and possible produce a reaction that isn't necessarily hard breaking. I think the protection at Palmwoods is needed at every major railway bridge. Yes, one could say its over the top, but it will definitely work.

I tend to agree.  Startling the driver like that will probably cause more negative effects than positive.  Heck, if it was loud enough it might even snap the driver into losing control of the truck, especially if he/she isn't expecting it.  I know for sure it would sure startle me and make me lose control of the vehicle.

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.

[ozbob]

In truck cab alerts are the way to go with this aspect.

[ozbob]

In summary:

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.