A notorious Toowoomba rail bridge has been struck again with Queensland Rail releasing the footage to remind drivers to check the height of their loads.
CCTV video shot near the North Street crossing shows the prime mover attempting to clear the overpass about 6.25am on Friday, April 4.
One freight train was delayed due to this latest incident, with the truck severely damaged.
Toowoomba’s North Street railway bridge was the first regional site to receive a Structural Monitoring and Alert System in 2023, which captures bridge strikes on camera in real time and can also measure the force of the impact.
The new alert system is supported by signage which clearly shows the clearance of the bridge at this location is 3.5 metres and it’s up to drivers to know the height of their vehicle and take a detour if necessary, said Queensland Rail.
The latest incident follows similar collisions in 2020 and 2021.
In a 12-month period recently, there were 386 rail bridge and protection beam strikes across the Queensland Rail network.
Drivers who damage rail infrastructure can be fined from $1290 and four demerit points, to a $12,904 penalty if the matter goes to court.
Queensland Rail is asking drivers to avoid all that cost, danger and embarrassment by knowing your height, planning your route and obeying the road rules.
Queensland Rail said rail bridge strikes should immediately be reported using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge or by calling Emergency Network Control on 1800 079 303.