Truck drivers are on a warning from KiwiRail after hitting rail bridges in Auckland's east and south this week, closing rail lines and disrupting the city's train users.
The collisions are part of what KiwiRail called a "string" of rail bridge strikes in Auckland - five in the past month alone - that caused damage and train cancellations after drivers misjudged the height of bridges and struck them.
Just after 9.30am at Merton Road in Glen Innes on Tuesday, the first incident meant Eastern line services had to be diverted along the Southern line.
Later that day, a truck struck a rail bridge at McPherson Road just outside Drury, closing the line for two hours.
Trains were cancelled between Papakura and Pukekohe while KiwiRail staff inspected the bridge to ensure it was fit for trains to travel over.
On Wednesday a vehicle collided with a passenger train at the Boundary Road level crossing but there were no serious injuries.
KiwiRail spokesperson Reuben Araroa said the incidents were avoidable but happening at an alarming frequency.
"Any strike in Auckland has the potential to disrupt thousands of members of the public who rely on the trains, along with our freight customers. It's an extremely busy period for freight volumes and these bridge strikes delay the movement of goods in and out of Auckland," Araroa said.
"Every time a bridge is struck, a structures inspector needs to check over the bridge. Even if there is not substantial damage, we still have to close the line for a period while we make sure the bridge is safe for trains and people.
"Bridge strikes are a growing problem and the message to motorists is to always obey the road signs which give plenty of warning of a low bridge. If you think your vehicle or load is above the clearance height, then do not try to pass underneath. Take an alternative route."
In the year to date, there have been 19 bridge strikes around the country involving over-height trucks.
Last year there were 28 bridge strikes recorded nationally.
