The
Size Matters campaign aims to prevent over-height vehicles from hitting low clearance rail bridges and overhead line equipment at level crossings. We encourage drivers to know the height of their vehicle and load, and to plan their journey ahead.
Bridge strikes
Queensland Rail and our customers continue to be impacted by a significant number of over-height vehicles and loads colliding with low clearance rail bridges. In the 2022/23 financial year, there were 67 bridge strikes recorded across Queensland Rail’s network.
A rail bridge collision is not only hazardous to the driver of the vehicle, their passengers, and other road users, but it can also endanger rail customers if serious damage is caused to rail infrastructure. Apart from the risk to lives, there are penalties for causing damage to rail infrastructure ranging from a $1,290 fine up to a $12,904 penalty if the matter goes to court. Queensland Rail actively pursues motorists for the cost of repairs which would otherwise be borne by taxpayers.
If you are involved in, or witness, a bridge strike incident, it should be immediately reported to Queensland Rail using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge or calling Emergency Network Control on 1800 079 303.
If you drive an over-height vehicle or load, know your trucking height and plan your journey. Find a list of low rail bridge locations.
Campaign video - Size Matters. Know your Trucking height.
Overhead line equipment at level crossings
Incidents, where over-height vehicles or their loads come into contact with the overhead line equipment at level crossings, are not only hazardous for the drivers involved, but they can also cause costly damage to rail infrastructure, as well as long road and rail delays.
In South East Queensland you must not drive a vehicle on a railway crossing if the vehicle is higher than:
- a height barrier for the crossing
- if the crossing is at another road - 5 meters
- if the crossing is at an access road - 4.1 meters.
Find out more about over-dimension road loads and high vehicles at level crossings here.
Campaign awards
The Size Matters campaign received a 2021 Public Relations Institute of Australia, Golden Target award, in the Crisis and Issues Management Campaign category.