Trucks ploughing into bridges still a huge problem for motorists

In Brisbane this year, 64 trucks have become wedged under bridges, failing to clear the bridge due to their size.

Queensland Rail confirmed that in the last three years, 253 bridge strikes have caused over a thousand service delays for drivers.

One driver was captured on CCTV footage ploughing into a bridge in the Brisbane suburb of Indooroopilly with such force it lifted off the ground.

Others have also been captured driving forward, seemingly unaware of their size.

Truck crashes into bridges come at great cost to both the taxpayer and the driver.

Drivers can lose four demerit points and $1100 for hitting a bridge.

If the matter ends up in court, that fine can grow to $11,000.

Queensland Rail has recovered more than $200,000 in repair costs since 2018.

“They can be very costly and have massive distributions on service,” Kat Stapleton from Queensland Rail said.

“In many cases, we do have to send people on site.”

Queensland Rail has spent $15.5 million on bridge protection beams at 14 problem spots in the state’s south-east.

“In the last financial year we had four fewer bridge strikes and that’s because we have invested quite heavily in putting protections in place,” Ms Stapleton said.

Lauren Ritchie from RACQ said truck crashes cause significant impacts for other drivers, advising truckies to be more aware of their vehicles.

“It absolutely pays to know the height and limitations of your vehicle,” she said.

“It’s your responsibility.”