Trucks should be banned from Footscray’s Napier Street in the wake of another disruptive crash into the railway bridge, local police say.
Werribee and Williamstown train lines suffered extensive delays and traffic chaos clogged busy roads last Wednesday night after a shipping container toppled from an over-height truck that crashed into the Napier Street bridge.
The four-metre rail overpass has been struck at least 25 times since 2010.
Footscray police’s Inspector Tony Long said too many drivers were failing to heed the warning signs, risking collision and fines of about $900.
“We have had a number of discussions with VicRoads and have tried to put forward the view that it needs to be cut out as a truck route,” he said. “But there has never been any real impetus from the other authorities to take this on board.”
Following two serious crashes last November, Maribyrnong mayor Nam Quach called for VicRoads to take action before someone lost their life.
“Something needs to be done before a pedestrian is killed by a shipping container,” he said.
VicRoads regional director Adam Maguire said drivers needed to be aware of height limits.
“VicRoads will work with Maribyrnong council, the Port of Melbourne and Victorian Transport Association to address driver behaviour issues and height restriction awareness, particularly for trucks leaving the port.”
He said VicRoads would audit all truck-related signage and consider improving height detection signs and realigning bridge crash barriers.
Benjamin Millar
