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TRANSCRIPT
Issue Prepared by Issue Date
RRSWG-GPG-001 Road Rail Safety
Working Group
21/02/2011
Good Practice Guide -
Prevention of Bridge Strikes
KNOW YOUR HEIGHT.
KNOW YOUR ROUTE.
Good Practice Guide – Prevention of bridge strikes – Know your height. Know your route.
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The Road Rail Safety Working Group (RRSWG)
The road rail safety working group is an advisory working group that focuses on safety at road rail
interfaces. It seeks to establish a strategy for the collective management of this risk, and to
identify actions that will improve safety levels. The group is chaired by the Railway Safety
Commission (RSC) and membership is made up of railway undertakings, road authorities, An
Garda Síochána, the Irish Road Haulage Association and the Department of Transport.
Feedback
The RRSWG meets every three months and is always looking for new ways to improve safety at
road rail interfaces. If you have any concerns that you believe the group should be made aware of
please contact us via the RSC (contact details given in Section 10).
Good Practice Guide – Prevention of bridge strikes – Know your height. Know your route.
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Contents
1 Foreword .................................................................................................................................. 4
2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5
3 The law ..................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Bridge strikes ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Reporting ................................................................................................................................. 6
4 Signage ...................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Warning and Information signage ........................................................................................... 7
4.2 Regulatory signage .................................................................................................................. 7
4.3 Information signage ................................................................................................................. 8
4.4 Additional warning equipment ................................................................................................ 8
5 Risks to the railway ................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Track Movement...................................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Obstructions to the railway ..................................................................................................... 9
5.3 Structure integrity ................................................................................................................. 10
6 Risks to the Road user or Haulage Company .......................................................................... 11
6.1 Safety of staff and other parties ............................................................................................ 11
6.2 Financial impact ..................................................................................................................... 11
6.3 Business impact ..................................................................................................................... 11
7 What action to take in the event of a bridge strike ............................................................... 12
8 Good practice ......................................................................................................................... 13
8.1 Vehicle checks and driver information .................................................................................. 13
8.2 Route planning ...................................................................................................................... 13
8.3 Haulage Permits ..................................................................................................................... 14
8.4 Third parties........................................................................................................................... 14
9 LUAS infrastructure ................................................................................................................ 14
10 Contact information ............................................................................................................... 15
Contact information continued ............................................................................................................. 16
11 References .............................................................................................................................. 17
11.1 Documents ............................................................................................................................. 17
11.2 Legislation .............................................................................................................................. 17
12 Useful forms ........................................................................................................................... 18
Good Practice Guide – Prevention of bridge strikes – Know your height. Know your route.
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1 Foreword
In 2009 over 100 road vehicles struck bridges either over or under the railway in Ireland. One of
these strikes led to the collapse of a section of bridge on the Athenry to Tuam line, which is
fortunately a closed section of railway. This incident illustrates the serious safety implications for
the railway and road users. Large financial costs can also result from these incidents.
This guide is aimed at vehicle drivers and transport managers to raise awareness of the dangers
of bridge strikes. In addition to this, the booklet provides measures that are currently seen as good
practice and will help reduce the risk of bridge strikes occurring.
I trust that you will find this guidance informative and relevant to the day to day operations of your
business. By taking the time to read this good practice guide you will be provided with the tools to
improve safety for everyone.
Gerald Beesley Commissioner for Railway Safety
Railway Safety Commission
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2 Introduction
This document has been written to:
Provide road users with clear instruction on what action to take in the event of a bridge
strike
Present guidance on planning processes which will significantly reduce the risk of one
occurring.
What is a bridge strike?
A bridge strike has occurred if any part of a road user‘s load or vehicle has collided with a railway
―Structure‖. In Section 138 (1) of the Railway Safety Act 2005 a ―structure‖ is defined as bridge,
viaduct, subway, tunnel, underpass, overpass or flyover.
Under-bridges allow a public highway to pass underneath railway lines. Unfortunately due to many
bridges being built in the 19th century and the increasing size of vehicles (particularly for the
transportation of goods) the clearance between the two has continually become smaller. There are
currently 426 under-bridges of restricted height in Ireland. Signage is displayed on and in advance
of an under-bridge with limited clearance, showing the maximum height of a vehicle that can safely
pass underneath (See Section 4).
Under-bridge strikes have the potential to have a major impact on the safe operation of the railway
and highway. The affects of an under-bridge strike can range from traffic disturbance to significant
damage to railway infrastructure contributing to a serious accident. To ensure that the affects of a
under-bridge strike are managed safely it is vital to inform the railway immediately and guidance
on this is provided in Section 7.
Over-bridge (road over railway) strikes often occur when a driver has made a misjudgement or lost
control of their vehicle. This occurrence can have high risk consequences due to the often
uncontrolled nature of the impact and danger posed by the vehicle and/or debris falling onto the
railway. Over-bridge strikes are discussed in further detail in Section 5, but it should be noted that
the immediate action taken by the road user is the same for both types of bridge strike.
Therefore, it is vital to inform the railway immediately and guidance on this is provided in Section
7.
The causes of bridge strikes can be wide ranging. However, they can be prevented with prior
planning and adherence to warning or diversionary signage. Guidance on how to utilise the
information available on under-bridges of restricted height and current good practice is provided in
Section 8.
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3 The law
3.1 Bridge strikes
Where the height of a structure in a public place is indicated by means of a traffic sign (signage
shown in Section 4) “a person shall not drive or attempt to drive a mechanically propelled
vehicle under the structure, where the height of the vehicle, including its load, if any,
measured from the ground to its highest point is equal to or exceeds the height indicated in
the traffic sign, so as to strike the structure.” A person who has contravened this subsection
may also be liable for a fine or imprisonment.
Section 138 (2) and (3) Railway Safety Act 2005 Since 2009 this offence has been brought within the penalty point system, and 3 penalty points
may be awarded on conviction. S.I No 149 of 2009
3.2 Reporting
There is also a requirement for the reporting of a bridge strike. Section 138 (4) of the Railway
Safety Act 2005 states:
―Where a person driving a mechanically propelled vehicle referred to in subsection
[138 ] (2) strikes a structure where a traffic sign referred to in that subsection is
provided and, whether or not any damage to the structure is apparent, where the
person who owns or is in charge of or has use of the structure has provided in a
conspicuous place a notice containing a telephone number to contact in the event of such
a strike, he or she shall make such contact immediately after the occurrence of the
strike. If the person is unable to make such contact immediately, he or she
shall immediately notify a member of the Garda Sıochana of the occurrence.‖
Failing to comply with this subsection is an offence and on summary conviction a person is liable
to a fine of up to €1,000.
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4 Signage
4.1 Warning and Information signage
On the approach to an under-bridge of limited clearance, you will see a warning sign (Picture A)
showing the highest vehicle that will be able to pass underneath. The height is called the
maximum headroom and is written first in feet and inches and then in metres. Additional
information signage may be placed further in advance to alert traffic leaving major roads or
motorways (Pictures B and C)
If your vehicle, including any load being carried, is higher than the height shown on the warning
sign, you will not fit under the bridge ahead. It is very important to know the height of your vehicle
and of any load being carried before you start your journey.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Signage erected in 2010 or later may not provide the height in imperial (feet
and inches) dimensions. This is shown in Pictures A and D where only the metric values are
displayed. Therefore it is important that you know your height in metres before planning or
undertaking a journey.
Picture A - Picture B - Picture C - Low bridge clearance ahead Advance information sign Advance information sign (Height restriction shown) (Height restriction shown) (Height restriction shown)
4.2 Regulatory signage
The sign shown in Picture D is a regulatory height restriction sign, which may appear on a railway
structure. Regulatory signs show the course a driver must follow and an action they are required to
take or forbidden to take (RSA 2010).
You must not pass a regulatory sign if your vehicle is higher than the height shown on the sign.
In the case of arch bridges, the signposted height is available only over a certain width of the arch.
This width is shown by ‗goalposts‘ (Picture E).
“Goalpost markings”
Picture D – Height Restriction sign Picture E – Arch bridge with “goalpost
markings”
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Additional limits may also apply to vehicles using a bridge, for example weight, width and number
of axles (Signage for these restrictions is shown pictures F, G and H respectively).
Picture F – Picture G – Picture H –
Warning sign for weight Warning sign for width Regulatory sign for
Restriction Restriction Number of Axles
Restriction
4.3 Information signage
You must report all incidents of striking any railway structure whether or not damage is obvious.
The information sign shown in Picture I will be displayed on a railway bridge. The sign gives the
code for the bridge and the railways‘ contact phone number.
Picture I – Iarnród Éireann bridge identification plate
4.4 Additional warning equipment
Road users should also be aware of additional warning equipment and signage that may be
displayed. Pictures J and K show two examples that are found on the road network in Ireland.
Picture J – Picture K – Additional electrical display
Vehicle Measurement system
(VMS) with electrical display
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5 Risks to the railway
Bridge strikes can potentially have a significant impact on railway infrastructure and operations.
This section gives illustrates the serious consequences of bridge strikes.
5.1 Track Movement
Under-bridge strikes can move the track guiding trains and create a risk of derailment (Picture L).
Picture L – Under-bridge strike leading to train derailment
5.2 Obstructions to the railway
Over bridge strikes can lead to debris obstructing the track (Picture M). The degree of obstruction
may not be obvious from the road therefore as previously stated it is essential to ALWAYS
CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY.
Picture M – Over-bridge strike resulting in obstruction of
railway lines
TRAIN
DERAILMENT
MISALIGNMENT
CAUSED BY
BRIDGE STRIKE
ALWAYS CONTACT
THE RAILWAY
IMMEDIATELY
ALWAYS CONTACT
THE RAILWAY
IMMEDIATELY
DANGEROUS
OBSTRUCTION TO
RAILWAY LINES
OVER-BRIDGE
STRIKE
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5.3 Structure integrity
Every type of strike on a railway structure could affect its integrity. Minor damage can lead to much
greater damage after the passage of trains. Therefore it is essential (and a legal requirement) to
ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY.
Picture N – Damage caused to under-bridge
Picture O – Under-bridge collision due to oversize / abnormal load
ALWAYS CONTACT
THE RAILWAY
IMMEDIATELY
DAMAGE TO
RAILWAY
UNDER-BRIDGE
DAMAGE TO
RAILWAY BRIDGE
AND LOAD
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6 Risks to the Road user or Haulage Company
6.1 Safety of staff and other parties
In addition to the safety risks imposed onto the railway, the road vehicle driver, other road users
and pedestrians are also put in danger. Risks include:
Injury (physical and longer term psychological)
Fatality
Uncontrolled discharge or removal of load. This is particularly dangerous when transporting
Hazardous goods.
6.2 Financial impact
Bridge strikes can be financially damaging to the liable party as the railway may claim for costs
resulting from the incident. This may include, inspections, rectification work to structures, trains or
signage and possibly the cost of recovering the vehicle or load.
6.3 Business impact
In addition to cost payable to the railway undertaking, there may also be other wide ranging
impacts on your business, for example;
Costs resulting from injuries to third parties
Costs resulting from damage to your own and other vehicles
Costs resulting from damage to load
Further legal action
The company insurance premium may rise
Disruption to business due to vehicle being off the road
Damage to company reputation
Possible loss of haulage operator‘s licence
Picture P – Container dislodged Picture Q – Transportation of construction
from vehicle after under-bridge strike vehicle leading to under-bridge strike
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7 What action to take in the event of a bridge strike
When a vehicle hits any part of a bridge, the following action should be taken: 1) Ring the railway immediately (Iarnród Éireann - (01 855 5454) 2) Clearly state: "This is an emergency call" 3) Give the following details;
The bridge number (Given on bridge identification plate attached to the bridge – Picture I)
The railway line and road (if known)
Details of any dangerous goods
Give your name and contact details in case further information is required. 4) Follow the directions of the railways‘ member of staff It should be noted that it is an offence to fail to report an incident of vehicle impact with railway
structures. If you are unable to make contact with the railway immediately you should inform An
Garda Síochána of the occurrence.
REMEMBER ALWAYS CONTACT THE RAILWAY IMMEDIATELY
Picture R – Under-bridge strike
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8 Good practice
8.1 Vehicle checks and driver information
Make sure the driver is aware of the contents of this guidance
Measure the maximum height of the vehicle and load (See picture S)
Know your height in metres
Be aware that the national height limit is 4.65m
Repeat the measurement process after loading and unloading
Advise the driver of the maximum vehicle height
Display maximum vehicle height in driver cab
Check your load is secure, refer to ―Safety of Loads on Vehicles (Third Edition)‖ published by the UK Department for Transport, available at www.dft.gov.uk.
Drivers of wide vehicles or loads should be aware that if ―goal posts‖ are shown on an arch
bridge (Picture E) the clearances may be lower either side of these markings.
Enter the number for Iarnród Éireann (01 855 5454) into drivers mobile phone
8.2 Route planning
Use Iarnród Éireann bridge maps to check for bridges with restricted clearances on national
or secondary routes, available from Iarnród Éireann (contact details available in Section 9).
If you are travelling outside of these routes contact the appropriate County Council(s) for
information on any bridge restrictions.
Plan your route to eliminate the risk of bridge strikes
Check for road diversions (details available from local councils)
Ensure vehicle does not violate any restrictions on new route
(Appendix 1 has an example check-sheet and planning form)
REMEMBER Know your Height. Know your Route.
Picture S – Manual vehicle measuring equipment
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8.3 Haulage Permits
The following summary is given in Leaflet No. 1 - Guidelines on Maximum Weight and Dimensions
of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles and Trailers published by the Roads Safety Authority.
―In exceptional circumstances, for example the carriage of abnormal and indivisible loads (AILs),
the legal limits on weights and dimensions may be exceeded. Where it is proposed to carry a load
which is such that the gross vehicle weight or axle weights are in excess of the legal limits or the
dimensional or projecting limits are breached, a permit must be obtained from the relevant Local
Authority or Authorities through whose functional area(s) the load will be carried. An Garda
Síochána also operate a streamlined permit system.‖
Further information on this subject is available from the Roads Safety Authority (contact details
available in Section 9).
8.4 Third parties
If you are arranging for the transfer of large goods ensure you hire a licensed haulier. Further
information on this subject is available from the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA).
The IHRA website address is http://www.irha.ie and additional contact details are available in
Section 10.
9 LUAS infrastructure
This guidance is predominantly aimed at collisions with Iarnród Éireann infrastructure. However in
Dublin City there is also LUAS light railway infrastructure.
If a strike has occurred involving LUAS infrastructure in Dublin City then LUAS Central Control
Room (CCR) should be contacted immediately (01 467 3040). Emergency SOS points are also
available at all LUAS stops.
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10 Contact information
Railway Safety Commission General Trident House Blackrock County Dublin Ireland Tel: 01 206 8110 E-Mail: [email protected]
Iarnród Éireann Emergency Iarnród Éireann Central Traffic Control (24-hour Emergency Number for reporting an immediate danger) 01 855 5454 General http://www.irishrail.ie/home/ Bridge Map requests
LUAS – Central Control Room 24-hour Emergency Number for reporting an immediate danger Telephone – 01 467 3040 Website – http://www.luas.ie
General Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01 300 6004
Emergency Services 999 on any fixed land line or 112 from mobile telephone.
An Garda Síochána General
An Garda Síochána, Headquarters
Telephone – 01 666 0000
Website – http://www.garda.ie/
Garda National Traffic Bureau
Telephone – 01 666 1954
E-mail - [email protected]
Iarnród Éireann Track and Signals HQ Inchicore Dublin 8 Tel: 01 703 4228 http://www.irishrail.ie/bridgeheights/
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Contact information continued
Roads Safety Authority General
Road Safety Authority Clonfert House Bride Street Loughrea Co. Galway Telephone: 091 872 600 Fax: 091 872 660 Website – http://www.rsa.ie/
Irish Road Haulage Association
General
Irish Road Haulage Association
Suite 6 Gowna Plaza
Bracetown Business Park
Clonee
Co. Meath
Telephone – 01 801 3380
Fax – 01 825 3080
Website – http://www.irha.ie/
E-mail – [email protected].
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11 References
11.1 Documents
Rules of the road (Online), Road Safety Authority 2010 - available at www.rsa.ie
Bus and Truck operators‘ – Guide to managing road safety, Road Safety Authority, S&E -
1/09 available at www.rsa.ie
Code of Practice – Safety of Loads on Vehicles, Third edition, Department for transport (UK), 2002, Crown copyright, ISBN 011 552547 5, available at www.dft.gov.uk
Prevention of Strikes on Bridges over Highways: A Protocol for Highway Managers and Bridge Owners, compiled by County Surveyors Society (CSS) on behalf of the Department for Transport‘s (DfT‘s) Bridge Strike Prevention Group, available at www.networkrail.co.uk
Prevention of bridge strikes, A good practice guide for transport managers, Network rail, NR/CE/GPG/003, Issue 1, July 2004, available at www.networkrail.co.uk
Third Party Guidance on Railway Risk – Volume 3 Crossing the Railway, RSC-G-012-A, Railway Safety Commission, 2008, available at www.rsc.ie
Special Topics Report – Railway Bridges in Ireland & Bridge Strike Trends, Railway Safety Commission, 2009, available at www.rsc.ie
11.2 Legislation Statutory Instrument No. 190 of 1963,Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of
Vehicles) Regulations
S.I. No. 91/1976 — Weights and Measures (Metric Equivalents) Order, 1976
Statutory Instrument No. 5 of 2003, Road traffic (Construction and use of Vehicles) Regulations
Statutory Instrument No. 44 of 2004, Road Traffic Act 2004
Statutory Instrument No. 31 of 2005, Railway Safety Act 2005
Statutory Instrument No. 366 of 2008, Railway Safety Act 2005, Road Traffic Act (Construction and use of Vehicles) (AMENDMENT) Regulations 2008
Statutory Instrument No. 149 of 2009, Road Traffic Act 2002 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) (Penalty Points) Order 2009
Statutory Instrument No. 147 of 2009, Road Traffic (Specialised Vehicle Permits) Regulations 2009
All legislation available at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie
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12 Useful forms
Appendix 1 Route specific vehicle check sheet for height and width restricted bridges
Part 1
Driver Name
Vehicle Registration Date
Route From To Via
Counties on route 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)
Part 2
Description of vehicle and load
Is load secure Yes No
Part 3
Route and Vehicle
A Have you identified your route? Yes No
B Have you contacted county councils to check for diversions?
Yes No
(Page two can be used to record
details of restrictions)
C Have you identified revised route (may not be applicable)?
Yes No
D What is the height of the lowest bridge on your route?
..............m
E What is the maximum height of your vehicle (including load)?
..............m
F Is Height of your vehicle (E) less than the height of the lowest bridge (D) on your route?
Yes No
(If the answer is no re-plan route and complete Part 3 for new route)
G Have you checked route for width restrictions?
H What is the maximum width or your vehicle? .............m
I What is the minimum width on your route? .............m
J Is maximum width of your vehicle (H) less than the minimum restriction (I) on your route?
Yes No
(If the answer is no re-plan route and complete Part 3 for new route)
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Journey and restriction details
Journey Details From To
Vehicle detail
Height Width
Restrictions
Structure location (or reference)
Height Width
IMPORTANT NOTE: Appendix 1 is recommended as good practice to identify height and
width restrictions. It does not satisfy haulage permit requirements or take into account
other restrictions, for example weight. For more information on these requirements and
restrictions please see Section 8.3 of this document or contact the Roads Safety Authority
(contact details available in Section 10).