Action to prevent train derailments

Darra resident Robert Dow.

ROBERT Dow is relieved the State Government is finally taking measures to prevent bridge strikes before a train faces derailment.

The Darra resident and spokesman for RAIL Back On Track, a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters, has conducted a long campaign highlighting the problem of bridge strikes.

He has recorded numerous bridge strikes which have taken place with no preventative action to follow.

“The Minister for Transport has outlined some new measures to help address the problem of heavy vehicles hitting bridges. We welcome these measures,” he said.

“Bridge strikes can be avoided. They are a major disruption to transport and could lead to fatalities or injury.”

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the $1 million Low Level Bridge Protection program would see the installation of height gauges at six of the most frequently hit low level rail bridges including the bridge at Long Street East, Graceville (Ipswich line) which has been hit four times since June last year.

“A careless truck or bus driver hitting a bridge can cause inconvenience to thousands of commuters if it happens at peak time,” she said.

“In the past eight years, rail bridges have been struck by over-height vehicles 332 times on the south-east Queensland network.”

Ms Nolan said height gauges would be installed by early October.

“Height gauges will be built over the roads leading to the bridges and will chime loudly when an over-height vehicle hits them, warning the driver of the low level bridge ahead,” she said.

In addition to the Low Level Bridge Protection program, the State Government is rolling out a new bridge strike prevention system for trial at two sites on the Ipswich line - Allwood Street, Indooroopilly and Oxley Road, Corinda.

The Bridge Impact Detection System will use a combination of infrared laser detectors, CCTV and active signage to warn drivers about low rail bridges.

Trials of this system will begin later in the year.