The Victorian Government will install a new high-tech detection system next month to stop trucks and other tall vehicles hitting Napier Street Bridge in Footscray, Melbourne.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan has joined Member for Footscray Marsha Thomson to announce $1.2 million to build new warning systems at the bridge.
Automatic detection systems will reportedly be installed on the approaches to the Napier Street Bridge to detect over-height vehicles, and traffic signals will be used to stop drivers before they get to the bridge.
Also, electronic variable message signs will direct these vehicles to use an alternate route with closed circuit cameras to capture the details of drivers who disobey the advance warnings.
Alarms triggered by over-height vehicles that ignore the warnings will notify authorities immediately.
Napier Street is used by more than 20,000 vehicles each day, according to the Victorian Government, and is a key arterial route for Melbourne’s inner west.
“This Victorian first technology will detect vehicles before they reach the bridge and alert the driver while there’s still time to take an alternate route,” said Mr. Donnellan.
“Bridge strikes put people at risk and they can be easily avoided. It’s the responsibility of all drivers to know the height of their vehicle and choose an appropriate route,” he said.
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