[article] Another truck strikes bridge

[Navan Junction]

Irish Times, Wed, Apr 26, 06

Dart services were briefly disrupted yesterday morning when a truck carrying a high load hit Custom House Quay bridge, according to Iarnród Éireann.

Yesterday's collision at 10.30am is the 71st time a truck has struck the bridge in the last 10 years.

It follows a similar incident this month in which an articulated truck carrying various parts of a tower crane managed to get wedged under the bridge at Custom House Quay.


Spokesman for Iarnród Éireann Barry Kenny last night described the Custom House Quay bridge as "the most-struck bridge in Dublin".

Dart services were delayed for 15 minutes as the bridge was surveyed to ensure that no serious damage had been caused.

"Truck-drivers are giving less attention to the height of the loads they are carrying, and this lack of attention is leading to these unnecessary incidents," said Mr Kenny.

"Drivers need to be aware of the height restrictions. It's basic rules of the road."

He added that the implementation of penalty points and a new rail safety Bill would make it easier for Iarnród Éireann to prosecute those who failed to take note of height restrictions.

Meanwhile at 4.15pm yesterday a 40ft truck overturned at the entrance to Dublin Port causing the East Wall Road to be closed off for a time. Derek Ryan of AA Roadwatch said traffic along the quays was "seriously affected".

© The Irish Times