Brisbane trains return to normal after trailer crashing into power lines caused disruption for hours, delays still expected

With trains resuming, passengers have been warned to expect some delays during peak hours as Queensland Railways continues to clear its backlog.

This comes after a trailer crashed into train power lines early on Monday morning; This led to the suspension of many routes on the north side and extreme delays.

The state’s Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie had previously issued an urgent warning advising passengers traveling north from the city to seek alternative methods as it was expected to take up to eight hours to repair train lines.

“At approximately five o’clock this morning it was reported that a worker working at a level crossing on Beams Road had struck power lines which disabled the transport train system from Petrie,” Mr Bleijie said.

“A very unfortunate accident that occurred this morning.”

Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Sunshine Coast line trains were suspended in both directions between Northgate and Petrie.

Passengers were asked to resort to alternative transportation methods.

A Queensland Rail spokesman said train services between Petrie and Northgate stations would resume at around 3pm.

“However, there will continue to be delays to services until the afternoon peak as we work through this backlog and rail replacement buses will remain in operation to help supplement these rail services,” the spokesman said.

“So we will have buses and trains to take people home.”

Queensland Rail Head of Corporate Affairs Nev Conway also gave an update on the chaos in an earlier statement, advising passengers to take into account delays in their journeys.

“Just after 5am an over-height lorry with a trailer crashed into powerline equipment at the Beams Road level crossing at Carseldine,” Mr Conway said.

“To ensure safety, we suspended rail traffic between Petrie and Northgate stations and immediately de-energized overhead power lines, affecting customers on the Redcliffe-Peninsula, Caboolture and Sunshine Coast lines.

“Our teams are working on site as safely and quickly as possible to get the lines back up and running for this afternoon’s rush hour, but further delays are expected.

“Rail replacement buses are operating throughout the day between Petrie and Northgate stations and will continue this afternoon to keep our customers moving.”

Mr Conway urged drivers to pay attention to the height of their vehicles as such incidents are “preventable”.

“Events like this are extremely dangerous and devastating, but they are also preventable,” he said.

“We once again urge drivers to know their vehicle’s height and load and plan their journeys in advance.”

No injuries were reported.