(photograph © Kiwidutch)
One of the wonderful things about New Zealand roads, and South Island roads in particular, is the State Highway system.
I adore that the main highway running the entire length of the island is for the vast majority of the way, one lane in either direction.
South Island roads have yet another gem too: one lane bridges, (Remember, this is the biggest and busiest road on an island that’s three quarters the size of the UK).
These are, as the name implies, bridges with only one lane; traffic takes turns but one side has priority via marked signs.
The black arrow is larger, and has priority, the red one smaller and doesn’t.
If you are on the side that doesn’t have priority and there are no vehicles on the bridge, or are so far away that you could reasonably get across in good time before the opposite vehicle could reach the bridge, then you may cross.
If an opposite vehicle is close enough to the bridge that they could enter or be on the bridge anywhere at the same time as you, then you wait and give way.
If you are a tourist and have priority, get onto the bridge and decide you need a selfie with the beautiful river, and there are other cars waiting then this is not the time to get your to ‘do the insta”.
Waiting traffic are to be polite and patient, cars on the waiting side queue with good manners.
If you have been waited for, it is customary to raise one hand in small wave of acknowledgement to each of the cars who waited for you as a “Thank You”. If you want to act like a friendly local then you raise one hand quickly back as a “You are most welcome” (or in Kiwi speak: “No worries mate”). Some One Way Bridges have passing bays, maybe on one side, maybe both sides as with this bridge. These are NOT meant so that traffic that should have given way, dive in and forgo taking turns, they are meant so that an emergency vehicle with flashing light and sirens blaring can get past quickly. In the unlikely event of this happening, you then dive into the passing bay (no matter which direction you are travelling) and let the emergency vehicle pass as quickly as possible. The passing bay is also meant so that vehicles that experience mechanical trouble on the bridge can be pushed out of the way and not block traffic flow. It’s not meant as a tourist stop.
Years and years back I heard a story which may well be just urban folklore… or not. Apparently a farmer lived near a One Way Bridge on a public road and needed to use the bridge more in one direction than the other (or maybe move stock, feed etc). Unfortunately that direction involved him needing to give way to oncoming traffic and his waiting times mounted. He grew increasingly impatient until he decided in the mid of night to go out with his tractor, dig up the priority signs and switch them around so that his side was now the side with priority. His “problem” was now solved. I do know that priority is not just given with a flip of a coin, the terrain is taken into account, view to the bridge so that drivers can judge if they can cross or not, I am sure the list goes on. However, true or not, Kiwi’s have a bit of a reputation for begrudging authority and rules so this would bring a smile to many a Kiwi, including me.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
This photo of the river was made as we drove over, no passing bay used.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
