The recently installed bright yellow crash barrier on Terralong Street got its first workout on Saturday when a truck driver transporting earthmoving equipment clattered into the steel structure.

Traffic was delayed while the driver reversed his truck as onlookers watched on, stunned that he had misjudged the height of his load.

After bringing the truck back, with the help of passers-by, the red excavator was freed from its bright yellow constraints.

Onlookers watch on as the truck driver tries to free his vehicle from the barrier. Photo: Supplied

The new steel structure has been designed to move upon impact, absorbing contact.

The bright yellow barrier plus the signs saying "LOW CLEARANCE 3.4m" and "DETOUR FOR HIGH VEHICLES >" should have been enough of a warning for the driver.

After realising the error of his ways, the driver took the correct detour up Railway Parade to continue his journey south.

Construction work on the new barrier was only completed late last month.

The collision protection beams on either side of the rail bridge prevent overheight vehicles - like trucks, campervans, buses and cranes - from hitting and damaging the rail line.

As part of the work, the crash beams were moved back five metres from the bridge and reinforced.

Kiama Councillor Matt Brown led a campaign recently for Council to make the new bridge less of an eyesore and artist Jimmy Dvate has been working on murals for the walls under the bridge.

Fellow Councillor Yasmin Tatrai has called for the driver to pay for the damage caused to the new barrier.

The photo posted on Facebook by Cr Tatrai.

"I hate to think of catastrophe that could have unfolded if the protection bars weren’t there and a train full of people were passing at the same time as the irresponsible truck driver that ignored the height limits," she posted on social media.

"In my opinion he needs to pay for the repairs and engineer inspection that may be required. You can see the scrape marks, etc"