A Bruce Highway crash that caused peak-hour chaos on the Sunshine Coast has prompted the state government to review penalties for bridge strikes.
A truck carrying an excavator hit the Ilkley Road overpass at Tanawha on Friday morning, leading to the closure of lanes and congestion on several roads in the regions.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg took to social media on Saturday, to let people know that officials would consider stricter measures to prevent such events.
“We’re looking at tougher penalties for bridge strikes,” he said.
“As we saw (on Friday), bridge strikes have the potential to cause major disruptions.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article.
“That’s why I’ve asked the Department of Transport and Main Roads to investigate tougher penalties for drivers and operators.
“Penalties need to be proportionate for the impact on road users and infrastructure.”
The crash emphasised how problematic bridge strikes can be in Queensland.
The most recent available data from TMR, from mid-2023 to mid-2024, revealed there were 369 bridge or protection beam strikes around the state in a 12-month period.
A TMR spokesperson confirmed the department is reviewing penalties.
“TMR is reviewing options for stronger penalties for bridge strikes.”
“These incidents cause significant delays, safety risks and disruptions for the community.”
TMR stated that there are too many potentially dangerous incidents.
“Queensland is seeing a concerning number of vehicles hitting low clearance rail and road bridges: more than one a day.”
“The consequences are significant and far reaching but every bridge strike is avoidable.”
TMR also stated the current potential consequences and penalties.
“Bridge strikes can cause serious injury to road users and massive delays.”
“A driver who damages a bridge, tunnel or overhead structure may be penalised up to $6676 and four demerit points for ignoring low clearance signage. Motorists who damage rail infrastructure can be penalised by a court up to $13,352 and four demerit points.”
A TMR spokesperson said the Bruce Highway was reopened “as quickly as possible” after the crash into the 5.4m Ilkley Road bridge, and officials were analysing the incident and its aftermath.
“The Ilkley Road overpass remains closed. As a safety measure, the overpass has been temporarily wrapped to prevent further debris from falling before repair work is undertaken.”
“Further investigations and works will continue over the coming weeks to support permanent repairs to the bridge. Timing and duration will be confirmed once planning is finalised.”
The QLD Traffic portal stated that a reduced speed limit of 60km/h would be applicable on southbound lanes until April 1.
TMR urged drivers of heavy vehicles to do what they can to avoid bridge strikes.
“Know your vehicle and load height, stay focused on road signs, and plan your route to avoid low clearance bridges. If in doubt, go around, not under. Find another route.”
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
