As stated by Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:
Queensland Rail is reminding truck drivers to be aware of the height and load of their vehicles after a heavy vehicle hit a rail bridge at 6:25am this morning (Friday 4 April 2025) at North St, Toowoomba.
One freight train was delayed due to the 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 (SMAS) 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.
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 $1,290 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.
Rail bridge strikes should immediately be reported to Queensland Rail using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge or by calling Emergency Network Control on 1800 079 303.
