UPDATED: A section of Sunshine Coast rail line closed for repair work is set to re-open on Monday, conditions permitting.
The line between Nambour and Yandina was closed after an over-height vehicle struck the rail bridge above Brockhurst Road at Nambour during the weekend.
Queensland Rail head of South-East Queensland Scott Riedel said QR crews, in collaboration with contractors, “are working to resolve the issue as quickly and as safely as possible”.
Train passengers are being shuttled between Nambour and Yandina while some freight train services have put their stock on trucks.
“At this stage, the bridge will re-open on Monday, when remediation works are completed,” Mr Riedel said on Thursday.
“These works will allow the bridge to reopen for rail traffic at reduced speeds.
“Buses will continue to replace trains between Nambour and Yandina stations on the Sunshine Coast line while works are underway. Alternative transport is also being arranged for Queensland Rail Travel Train customers where possible.”
Brockhurst Road will be closed for some time.
“To allow the bridge structure to be repaired and rail traffic to resume at normal speeds, a temporary closure of Brockhurst Road is required for approximately three months,” Mr Riedel said.
A road traffic detour will be in place during this time.
EARLIER: Queensland Rail is working to repair a damaged bridge on the state’s main train line but doesn’t know when it will be fixed, as passengers are inconvenienced and freight services are interrupted.
The bridge above Brockhurst Road in Nambour, which has a signed clearance height of 4.7m, was struck by a vehicle during the weekend.
It was noticed during a routine track inspection on Sunday, when the line was closed for weekend maintenance, including at nearby Blackall Terrace.
Workers were despatched to start repairs immediately and the 8km section of line between Nambour and Yandina has been closed since.
Train passengers have been offered a shuttle bus between stations, while some freight train services have moved stock on to trucks.
Queensland Rail head of South-East Queensland Scott Riedel said the railway operator was trying to get rail transit back on track.
“Our crews are working to resolve the situation as quickly and as safely possible,” he said.
Mr Riedel said drivers should be on guard around bridges.
“This incident serves as a timely reminder for drivers to know the height of their vehicle and load, and to plan their journey ahead,” he said.
He said the Brockhurst Road rail bridge “is fitted with height clearance signage on all approaches”.
“Bridge strikes involving rail bridges above 4.6m are rare,” he said.
“All low-clearance rail bridges (under 4.6m) are fitted with height clearance signage on all approaches, while high-priority low-clearance rail bridges are also fitted with cameras and sensors to remotely monitor the bridges in the event of a bridge strike.”
Mr Riedel said QR’s bridge strike safety campaigns were aimed at reducing the likelihood of these types of incidents.
“Launched in 2020, our Size Matters campaign, featuring shocking CCTV and images of bridge strike incidents, was rolled out across the network to remind motorists to drive safe near rail infrastructure,” he said.
“In addition to community engagement, Queensland Rail also invests in engineering solutions at priority locations and works with police on enforcement.
“Apart from the risk to lives, motorists who damage rail infrastructure can be fined $1150 and four demerit points.”
The incident was under investigation.
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