Premier

Montague Street Gantries To Give Bridge A Break

02 June 2016

The Andrews Labor Government has taken action to give the Montague Street Bridge a well-earned rest with the installation of the second gantry overnight to stop trucks and larger vehicles hitting the Bridge.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan and Member for Albert Park Martin Foley today inspected the new gantries that have been installed on the Normanby Road and City Road approaches to the three metre bridge.

Black and yellow plastic paddles hang from the gantries alerting drivers who hit them that they are over-height, allowing them the opportunity to divert their journey to avoid hitting the bridge.

Since 2011, there have been 102 reported strikes on the Montague Street Bridge, including a serious bus crash in February.

Bridge strikes are serious and they not only pose a safety risk to the community, but also significantly disrupt the road network and public transport services.

As well as the gantries, additional advance warning signage has been installed on Montague Street and surrounding roads alerting drivers about the low-clearance bridge and providing alternate routes.

There are 26 advance warning signs on the approaches to the bridge.

Previous improvements have included a red and white painted hazard strip along the top of the bridge as well as flashing lights and a red detour message triggered by approaching over-height vehicles.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan

“There are 26 advanced warnings signs and now two new gantries to stop people from hitting the Bridge.”

“The Montague Street Bridge has seen over a hundred bridge strikes since 2011 – we’ve taken action to give this monument to our city a well-earned rest.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Albert Park Martin Foley

“All motorists have a responsibility to know the height of their vehicle and plan their journey.”

“These new gantries will reduce the likelihood of trucks hitting the bridge and improve the safety of everybody using Montague Street.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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