Annerley Rd rail bridge down for upgrade

The Newman Government will construct protection beams on one of inner Brisbane’s most notorious rail bridge.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the bridge at Annerley Road, Dutton Park would be the first to be upgraded as part of a $3.6 million program to prevent over-height vehicles colliding with rail bridges.

“Protection beams will be installed on both approaches to the bridge, which has been struck eight times since July 2010, including a tragic death of a cyclist earlier this year,” Mr Emerson said.

“While we can’t stop careless drivers crashing into rail bridges, I want to do more to protect our infrastructure and reduce the impact on passenger services and other road users.

“While the Annerley Rd bridge is already fitted with height gauges and signage, protection beams, installed square to the road, would also reduce the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over should it strike the beam.”

Queensland Rail is preparing to call for tenders to design and construct the added protection with work due to begin next year.

“There are currently a range of measures in place to reduce the likelihood and impact of bridge strikes, including Bridge Impact Detection Systems – laser detectors with flashing signage and video recording – at two Brisbane locations,” Mr Emerson said.

“While we are doing everything we can to improve safety at rail bridges the responsibility still lies with the driver to know the height of their vehicle.”

There were 60 reported bridge strikes across the Queensland Rail network in the last financial year and since the start of 2012, the government has successfully settled six claims totalling more than $200,000 with motorists who have damaged rail bridges.

Motorists who damage Queensland Rail infrastructure, including bridges, also face penalties of up to $8,800.

[ENDS] 3 December 2013

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637