Yet another overheight truck has collided with the notorious Napier Street bridge in Footscray.
A westbound container truck struck one of the bright yellow protection beams attached to the bridge about 12.30pm Friday, bringing traffic to a standstill.
The crash was the second in just over a week and followed a similar incident last Wednesday.
Both incidents caused extensive delays to trains travelling between Footscray and Newport.
The crashes are still repeatedly occurring despite VicRoads recently installing a $1.2 million electronic overheight vehicle detection and warning system on both approaches to the bridge, in an aim to reduce the likelihood of bridge strikes.
More than 70 trucks have now struck the four-metre bridge in the last decade.
VicRoads Regional Director Vince Punaro said the incidents are frustrating because they can be easily avoided.
“Every time an overheight vehicle strikes Napier Street Bridge it causes unnecessary and lengthy delays for road and rail and puts the safety of the public at risk,” he said.
“We continue to work closely with the industry to improve awareness of low clearance bridges, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of all drivers to be aware of the height of their vehicles and plan their journeys accordingly.”
Automatic electronic vehicle detection systems on both approaches of the bridge detect over height vehicles.
Signals prompt the the drivers to stop and direct them to alternate routes.
There are also a further 28 advance warning signs and five height detection devices around the bridge.
Protection beams on the bridge were last realigned at a cost of $600,000 to further improve safety around the bridge.
The penalty for failing to obey a low clearance bridge warning sign is $738.
VicRoads has no plans to lower the road under the bridge.
