Queensland drivers are hitting one low-clearance bridge a day, on average, with the state government announcing a campaign to bring that number down.
There have been 369 bridge streaks in the past financial year, with 360 hits the year before, according to Queensland’s Department of Main Roads and Transport.
An initiative between the government, Queensland Rail, and the state’s Trucking Association is pleading for drivers to know the height of their vehicle, and plan their route.
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As part of the campaign, they released footage of drivers hitting bridges with their trucks, caravans, and even boats.
“The vision is shocking, we see over-height vehicles not only damaging infrastructure but losing their loads, becoming projectiles at risk of hitting other road users,” Transport and Main Roads General Manager Joanna Robinson said.
“Bridge strikes are dangerous. They’re dangerous for the driver of the over-height vehicle, they’re dangerous for train drivers and the passengers and they’re dangerous for other road users.”
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The most commonly hit bridges from the last year included:
Logan Road, Buranda
North Street, Willowburn
Bergin Street, Booval
Oxley Road, Corinda
William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection, Morayfield
Low-clearance bridges are always fitted with signage and many have protective measures including beams and chimes.
Drivers who hit a bridge, tunnel or structure could be fined up to $6452.
That potential maximum fine goes up to $12,094 for damaging rail infrastructure.
It is estimated that bridge strikes caused over 200 hours of rail delays.
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