Measures have been taken at the site of a bridge strike that caused havoc with rail operations.
A Structural Monitoring and Alert System (SMAS) has been installed at Brockhurst Road at Nambour, where a truck crashed into an overhead rail bridge last year.
It significantly affected train services on the state’s main track for more than a week and led to a road closure for seven months, while the bridge was fixed.
It was one of 85 strikes to rail bridges and protection beams on the Sunshine Coast in a two year span.
There was a recent incident at Nambour, where a bus hit the rail bridge over Price Street, although a protection beam ensured there was no damage to the line.
The new SMAS at Brockhurst Road provides remote sensing and video monitoring, to allow for immediate assessment of an impact after a vehicle collision.
When a collision is detected, Queensland Rail will be able to halt trains while an inspection occurs, so the system can help to reduce the time it takes to resume services.
The SMAS includes sensors mounted on the bridge structure to monitor and measure the force of impacts, along with a CCTV system to allow remote viewing and recording of incidents.
Queensland Rail announced the installation of the new SMAS.
“Heads up to truck, bus, caravan drivers, or anyone carrying high loads,” they said.
“The new SMAS is now in action.
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“A strike at this location in 2023 forced the closure of the North Coast line between Yandina and Nambour, disrupting freight to central and northern Queensland for a week and required lengthy repairs to the rail bridge and a road closure.
“The new alert system is supported by signage which clearly shows the clearance of the bridge at this location is 4.7 metres and it’s up to drivers to know the height of their vehicle and take a detour if necessary.
“Bridge strikes are not only dangerous but can also cause costly damage to rail infrastructure and lead to frustrating delays for both road users and rail passengers.”
It’s the fifth SMAS installed on the Sunshine Coast.
The others are at Rosebed Street in Eudlo, Price Street at Nambour, Woombye Palmwoods Road at Palmwoods, and Back Woombye Road at Woombye.
There are protection beams at Price Street at Nambour and Woombye-Palmwoods Road at Palmwoods.
