Key Takeaways:
- The Tinwald Viaduct in Canterbury is the most-struck rail bridge in the country, with a clearance height of 2.39m.
- A recent incident involving a campervan that lost its roof after hitting the viaduct has sparked renewed debate about prevention measures.
- KiwiRail and the Ashburton District Council are working together to address the issue, with proposed solutions including additional signage, a gantry, and full closure of the bridge.
- The cost and responsibility for implementing prevention measures are still being discussed, with the rail bridge being a KiwiRail asset and the road under it being council jurisdiction.
Introduction to the Tinwald Viaduct Incident
The Tinwald Viaduct in Canterbury has claimed another victim, with a campervan losing its roof after driving beneath the low-clearance viaduct. The incident occurred just a month after the bridge reopened following repairs from a previous accident. Police were called to the scene, and a spokesperson confirmed that the vehicle had lost part of its roof. This incident is just one of many that have occurred at the viaduct, which has a clearance height of 2.39m and has been identified by KiwiRail as the most hit rail bridge in the country.
History of the Tinwald Viaduct
The Tinwald Viaduct has a history of incidents, with the most recent one being the campervan accident. In early July, the bridge was hit by an excavator being towed on a trailer, causing significant damage and resulting in the bridge being closed for repairs. The bridge reopened on December 18 after being upgraded with a steel overhead impact beam, which has been hit several times since its installation. The structure was also reinforced with new concrete to hold up the upgraded steel impact beam. Despite these repairs, the bridge continues to be a safety concern, with KiwiRail receiving one formal report of a bridge strike and being aware of other incidents anecdotally.
Response from KiwiRail and the Ashburton District Council
KiwiRail and the Ashburton District Council are working together to address the issue of bridge strikes at the Tinwald Viaduct. A KiwiRail spokesperson urged drivers to observe all signs when approaching a bridge and to be aware of the height of their vehicle and any load they are carrying. The council has notified Google and suggested they modify their route recommendations to avoid the viaduct. Additionally, the council plans to replace the give way sign on the Melcombe St side of the viaduct with a stop sign, install additional signage aimed at campervans and caravans, and paint warnings on the road. These changes are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks.
Prevention Measures and Cost Responsibility
The campervan incident has sparked renewed debate about prevention measures at the Tinwald Viaduct. One popular suggestion is the installation of a gantry, but the question remains who would pay for it, as the rail bridge is a KiwiRail asset and the road under it is council jurisdiction. Another solution is full closure of the bridge, which many agree is the simplest and cheapest solution. The council infrastructure group manager, Neil McCann, said that the council is open to discussions with KiwiRail about the viaduct and is willing to consider various options to prevent future incidents. However, the cost and responsibility for implementing these measures are still being discussed, and a solution has not yet been reached.
Ongoing Debate and Concerns
The Tinwald Viaduct incident has generated multiple social media posts, with many commenting on the need for additional prevention measures. Some have suggested that more signage is not the answer, as the existing signs do not seem to be effective. Others have proposed alternative solutions, such as installing a barrier or a warning system. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a comprehensive solution to address the safety concerns at the Tinwald Viaduct. As the most-struck rail bridge in the country, it is essential that KiwiRail and the Ashburton District Council work together to find a solution that prioritizes safety and minimizes the risk of future incidents.
