Bridge Strikes

Bridge strikes literally impact thousands of people – not just the person whose vehicle or load gets damaged by the strike.

The consequences of these bridge strikes are significant and far reaching, including injury, time off the road from damaged vehicles, insurance implications, rail and road disruptions, and fines.

Injury

• The potential injury to the driver, passengers and any other road users in the vicinity is significant.
• Falling debris from the bridge can damage other people’s cars, or in worst case scenarios, cause a crash, serious injury, or kill someone.
• It can also endanger rail customers if serious damage is caused to rail infrastructure.

Delays

• The damage to the actual bridge infrastructure also has a ripple effect delaying train services running on the affected line and also causes road delays.
• When a bridge is struck, detailed safety checks must be undertaken before the line or road can be used again due to potential catastrophic structural damage.

Penalties

• The penalties for causing damage to rail infrastructure range from a $1290 fine and four demerit points up to a $12904 penalty if the matter goes to court.
• Queensland Rail actively pursues motorists for the cost of repairs which would otherwise be borne by taxpayers.
• A driver who damages a bridge, tunnel or overhead structure may also be liable for other penalties such as contravening clearance signs ($645 fine and 4 demerit points) or $6452, along with careless driving of a motor vehicle ($645 and 3 demerit points).

• Know your vehicle and load height – write them down and have them beside you in the vehicle.
• Plan your route in advance to avoid low clearance bridges.
• Always check bridge clearance signs as you approach to ensure you are not over height.
• Every low-level bridge (under 5.3 m) is fitted with height clearance signage and it’s up to motorists to know their vehicle’s height and load and stay clear of bridges which are too low.
• Towing tall machinery can be a particular hazard, even for 12m clearance road bridges.
• If in doubt, avoid – go around not under. A bridge strike will cost a truck load.
• Visit  Queensland Railto check if you will encounter low clearance bridges on your proposed route and change your plans to avoid these!

• Professional drivers can plan their routes in advance here to avoid both rail and road bridges that are too low for their vehicles by visiting the Transport & Main Roadssite.

Most frequently struck rail and road bridges – Financial Year 2023 – 2024

• Logan Road – Buranda
• North Street – Willowburn
• Bergin Street – Booval
• Oxley Road – Corinda
• William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection – Morayfield
• Redbank Plains overpass – Redbank Plains
• Linkfield overpass – Bald Hills
• Normanby overpass – Bruce Highway
• Swanbank Road overpass – Cunningham Highway

A full list of low rail bridges in South East Queensland is available on the Queensland Rail site

Always know the height of your vehicle and load and don’t take any risks.