Queensland Rail Paint Trial Targets Bridge Strikes

• Queensland Rail has painted bright red and yellow boxes on the bitumen road leading up to two notorious rail bridges in a bid to drive down bridge strikes. 

• The trial is underway at two highly struck bridges - Oxley Road, Corinda and Pine Street, Wynnum with others to potentially follow. 

• There were 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 and Oxley Road, Corinda 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.

Since January to the end of November 2025, rail bridges and protection beams on the SEQ rail network have been struck 348 times. 

The trial site bridges, at Pine Street, Wynnum and at Oxley Road, Corinda both regularly feature in the top most hit locations in SEQ. 

In 2025, between January - November, they were struck 22 times and 14 times respectively by over-height vehicles.

Queensland Rail Executive General Manager of SEQ Assets Dave Smale said the trial was aimed at tackling a frustratingly growing road safety and rail reliability issue.

"Every rail bridge or protection beam strike puts lives at risk and causes major disruption for rail customers and impacts to road users," Mr Smale said.

"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.

"Bridge strikes not only delay rail customers but are potentially very dangerous to the driver and other road users, as well as impacting road traffic.

"Last year, bridge and protection beam strikes resulted in more than 300 hours of delays to our customers - that can mean a missed job interview, a late doctor's appointment or missing out on tucking the kids into bed. 

"Our 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."

Wynnum Manly Ward Councillor Alex Givney said the trial would be vital to keeping the community safer on the roads. 

"We've seen several incidents recently with drivers underestimating their vehicle's height against the bridge, resulting in dangerous accidents and frustrating delays," Cr Givney said.

"We know the community has shared their concerns and it's great to see Queensland Rail, the State Government and the Brisbane City Council working together to make our streets safer."

Queensland Rail is continuing its focus on reducing bridge strikes through its latest targeted two-part safety campaign Don't get your truck stuck! and Know your load, before hitting the road! and regularly partners with Queensland Police Service and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to conduct high visibility operations at frequently hit locations. 

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.

Number of bridge and protection beam strikes