The mass of the two IMU or SMU class train units travelling on the Cleveland line was commonly heavier than the design specification of the buffer stop at Cleveland station. It is probable that Queensland Rail’s risk management systems did not consider this design criterion for these train configurations arriving at Cleveland station.
QR advised that since the Cleveland collision a friction modified buffer stop system has been implemented and track speed has been reduced to 15 km/h pending investigations.”
The technical design of the buffer stop at Cleveland station at 31 January 2013 was 5 km/h with a 200 t train service. Friction element buffer stops have been installed at Cleveland stations that are now able to arrest a train weight of 311 t with a maximum impact speed of 15 km/h.
Permanent speed boards displaying 15 km/h at the approach to Cleveland Station have been installed to align with the newly installed buffer stops.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by Queensland Rail addresses this safety issue.
