Photo: Supplied.
Queensland Rail has painted bright red and yellow boxes on the bitumen road leading up to the notorious Wynnum rail bridges in a bid to drive down bridge strikes.
There have been 77 bridge and 271 protection beams struck on the South East Queensland (SEQ) rail network by over-height vehicles so far this year.
Following a surge in dangerous and highly disruptive bridge and protection beam strikes, Queensland Rail, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Brisbane City Council have painted the road on approach to two frequently struck bridges to drive down incidents.
The trial, underway at rail bridges at Pine Street, Wynnum, will run for up to two years and depending on the outcomes, other frequently hit bridges could follow.
It coincides with the release of new footage showing over-height vehicles slamming into rail bridges and protection beams, sending debris flying, destroying machinery and, in one case, ripping a truck bed in two.
The road markings, similar to school-zone style warnings, clearly state “low bridge” and encourage drivers to slow down and double-check their height before approaching low-clearance rail bridges.
In 2025, between January and November, they were struck 22 times by over-height vehicles.
The painted road markings are designed to grab drivers’ attention before it’s too late. This initiative is in addition to clearly visible advance warning road signs, height signage, monitoring cameras, and, in some cases, protection beams.
The message is simple: know the height and load of your vehicle and plan your journey so you don’t get your truck or load stuck.
Motorists face fines of $1,335 and four demerit points for damaging rail infrastructure and if the matter goes to court, the maximum penalty for causing damage to rail infrastructure is $13,352. Queensland Rail actively pursues individuals to recover costs.
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.
