Yet more signage is planned for the country’s most-struck rail bridge as reports of crashes continue.
It was closed on Thursday for contractors carrying out paint work on the road but on Sunday, eye witnesses reported on social media seeing a car’s roof rack and attached bicycle being damaged after a driver went under the Tinwald viaduct.
Another person reported on the same day seeing a caravan scrape under ‘‘damaging all their sky lights’’.
The incidents follow a campervan losing its roof and damaging paint work on the viaduct on January 21.
The district council has ordered more signs.
Group manager of infrastructure Neil McCann said signs installed in January following reopening of the viaduct were working ‘‘as there have been reports of people turning around before trying to go under the bridge’’.
‘‘We ordered additional signs last month, directed specifically at campervans, and expect these to arrive and be installed next week,’’ McCann said.
The district council had also reached out to motorhome groups to help spread the word for them to avoid the viaduct.
The district council was doing this in the face of Google having so far, not responded to pleas for the tech company to change its route recommendations.
‘‘One of the main issues that had contributed to campervan crashes at the viaduct is that Google directs traffic through there as the fastest route in times of congestion.
“State Highway 1 traffic is not likely to divert off the main road to use the viaduct and locals know its height limitations,’’ McCann has said previously.
‘‘The problem is with tourists in campervans.’’
As well as ordering more signs, the district council has investigated other solutions, including installing an advance gantry or height-triggered flashing warning lights.
‘‘However, the estimated cost to design, construct, and install these measures ranges between $50,000 and $100,000,’’ McCann said.
‘‘These options have been discounted due to the significant upfront costs to ratepayers, as well as ongoing maintenance requirements and the need for road closures whenever the gantry is struck and requires repair.’’
And, despite continued calls from some, the district council was still not considering closing the road under the viaduct.
‘‘We are not considering closing the road, as the viaduct is well used by residents who live on the western side of Tinwald.’’
