Urgent action is needed to cut the number of over-height trucks crashing into Footscray’s Napier Street rail bridge, according to Maribyrnong mayor Cr Nam Quach.
Cr Quach is calling on VicRoads and the state government to act after 43 incidents since 2010, as well as dozens of unreported collisions.
In the latest incident, a truck carrying five cars hit the four-metre high rail overpass on April 21, knocking two vehicles off the trailer and extensively damaging two others.
Cr Quach tabled a motion last Tuesday noting the incident was the latest in a long history of crashes, many involving shipping containers falling from trucks onto footpaths, crushing fences and street signs.
About 3000 trucks travel beneath the bridge every day, many transporting containers to and from the Port of Melbourne.
Cr Quach labelled the site “a time bomb” that will result in the death of a pedestrian.
“Council has had discussion with VicRoads over many years on this issue and despite various signage and flashing light treatments trialled, the problem has not improved,” he said.
Cr Quach’s motion calls on Roads Minister Luke Donnellan to introduce extra measures to prevent crashes, including height detection cameras, better signage and a warning system similar to those at road tunnel entrances.
Cr Quach is seeking curfews on Buckley and Napier streets and an increase in the $738 fine for failure to obey a low-clearance sign.
VicRoads regional director Adam Maguire said the authority would consider Maribyrnong council’s proposals.
“There are 28 signs on approaches to the Napier Street bridge advising of detours, along with five height-detection devices,” he said.
“VicRoads has increased the level of patrols on the surrounding road network, including enforcement of truck curfews and height restrictions at the Napier Street bridge, and will continue to closely monitor these issues.”
A spokesman for Mr Donnellan said the minister met Maribyrnong council last week to discuss long-term solutions to the problem.
“In the meantime, VicRoads will investigate short-term solutions,” he said.
Picture gallery: Truck into Napier Street bridge, November 14, 2014
Picture gallery: Truck into Napier Street bridge, May 22, 2014
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