The nation’s most-struck rail bridge has claimed yet one more sufferer, this time slicing the roof off a campervan driving beneath the low-clearance viaduct in Canterbury.
It comes only a month after the Tinwald Viaduct re-opened following repairs from a earlier accident.
Police had been referred to as to the incident round 3.15pm on Wednesday, the place the campervan had hit the viaduct because it drove via, with a spokesperson confirming the automobile misplaced a part of its roof.
Quickly after a automobile towing a caravan did not get via the viaduct, impacting site visitors because it needed to reverse again out onto Melcombe Avenue.
The automobiles had been the most recent in an extended line of incidents on the viaduct, which has a clearance peak of two.39m.
KiwiRail has recognized it as probably the most hit rail bridge within the nation.
It had solely reopened on 18 December after being closed for repairs following a significant incident.
It was hit by an excavator being towed on a trailer in early July and subsequently closed on 29 July to attend for the cracked picket overhead impression beam to get replaced.
The construction was strengthened with new concrete to carry up the upgraded metal impression beam.
A KiwiRail spokesperson stated that for the reason that bridge repairs had been accomplished, “now we have acquired one formal report of a bridge strike however we’re conscious anecdotally of different incidents”.
“We proceed to liaise with Ashburton District Council, the street controlling authority for this part of street, concerning the bridge.
“In addition to being a security situation, bridge strikes trigger price and inconvenience to KiwiRail and to different street customers.
“We urge drivers to look at all indicators when approaching a bridge, and to pay attention to the peak of their automobile and any load they’re carrying.”
Council infrastructure group supervisor Neil McCann stated the council is open to discussions with KiwiRail concerning the viaduct, and has notified Google and recommended they modify their route suggestions.
“We will change the give approach on the Melcombe Avenue aspect of the viaduct with a cease signal, we’re going to set up further signage geared toward campervans and caravans on the Melcombe Avenue aspect of the viaduct, and we will paint warnings on the street on the Melcombe Avenue aspect of the viaduct.
“The street markings will likely be accomplished early subsequent week and the brand new cease signal put in on the similar time.
“We’ll need to order in a custom-made signal for the campervans, in order that will likely be put in at a later date.”
The campervan incident generated a number of social media posts and the commentary reignited the talk on what further prevention measures could possibly be launched.
The suggestion for extra signage was met with doubt as feedback recommended the present indicators do not appear to work.
Putting in a gantry stays the favored suggestion, however the query stays who pays for it because the rail bridge is a KiwiRail asset and the street beneath it’s council jurisdiction
One other resolution is full closure, which many agree is the best and most cost-effective resolution.
