Flash warning call for bridge

Andrew Mathieson
VICROADS must install new signs and flashing lights to prevent more traffic chaos from trucks crashing into Breakwater’s railway bridge, according to Victoria’s peak motoring club.
RACV slammed VicRoads for failing to prevent accidents at the Breakwater Road overpass.
RACV public policy general manager Brian Negus said the bridge’s “pretty low” 3.7-metre clearance demanded improved warnings for truckies.
“We generally understand that not all bridges can be full-height clearances but certainly where possible it is highly desirable that there be at least 4.3 if not 4.7 metres because they are the two clearances that would usually prevail,” he said.
“In the absence of that being able to be provided, there should be signage and a height detector that can detect whether trucks are greater than the 3.7 metres of the bridge clearance and then flash lights as a pre-warning to any vehicle approaching.
“We would certainly urge that there should be checks, especially where you have low clearances on restricted situations because it can be quite dangerous.”
VicRoads closed the Breakwater Road between Tucker Street and Barwon Heads Road for almost two days last month after a truck hit the bottom of the bridge, ripping the top of the truck’s trailer. Another truck became stuck under the bridge on Tuesday in what VicRoads described as a minor incident.
VicRoads south-western Vict-oria regional director Robin Miles said the roads authority was planning to build another bridge in the next two years as part of a realignment of Breakwater Road.
The new bridge would not need a height restriction, he said.
Mr Miles ruled out modifications to the existing bridge.
The realignment will deviate northward east of Barwon Heads Road over the river and railway line to the intersection of Fellmongers Road and Tucker Street.