know your route. - commission for railway regulation · prevention of bridge strikes know your...

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).


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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


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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.

http://www.irha.ie/


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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/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.irishrail.ie/home/

http://www.luas.ie/

http://www.garda.ie/


http://www.irishrail.ie/bridgeheights/bridge_heights.asp


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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].

http://www.rsa.ie/

http://www.irha.ie/



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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

http://www.rsa.ie/

http://www.rsa.ie/

http://www.dft.gov.uk/

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/

http://www.rsc.ie/

http://www.rsc.ie/

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).