In the town of Hindon, New Zealand, there exists a one-lane bridge that is shared by both cars and trains alike. There are no traffic lights nor signs indicating order. There's simply one rule, the train has right of way
That particular bridge is on what is now only a tourist railway. Even in the days the line was open it was only a branch and only a few trains used it each day. There used to be several road rail bridges in NZ, the more well known ones, closed in recent years were the Teremakau and the Arahura, both on the West Coast of the South Island. Earlier many of the very wide braided rivers on the East Coast had road rail bridges. Both the Rakaia and Waitaki bridges were over a mile long.
I think the video makes it clear that it's a slow train, and the speed limit on cars is also slow, and the type of railroad cars are quite touristy and labeled Taieri Gorge Railway.
It should be pointed out that the road rail bridges were usually in areas of relatively sparse population. Our trains ran on 3'6" gauge track and did not go very fast. The volume of traffic was not very great. http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc11/IMG0014.asp
Another shot of the Rakaia bridge, in the late 1930s with the new road bridge under construction. The new rail bridge can be seen on the left, upstream from the road bridge. http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/photos/disc5/IMG0083.asp
That particular bridge is on what is now only a tourist railway. Even in the days the line was open it was only a branch and only a few trains used it each day. There used to be several road rail bridges in NZ, the more well known ones, closed in recent years were the Teremakau and the Arahura, both on the West Coast of the South Island. Earlier many of the very wide braided rivers on the East Coast had road rail bridges. Both the Rakaia and Waitaki bridges were over a mile long.
ReplyDeleteI think the video makes it clear that it's a slow train, and the speed limit on cars is also slow, and the type of railroad cars are quite touristy and labeled Taieri Gorge Railway.
DeleteThis photo says it is 1914 but it is much alter - more like 1924. https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/11394/waitaki-river-bridge
ReplyDeleteIt should be pointed out that the road rail bridges were usually in areas of relatively sparse population. Our trains ran on 3'6" gauge track and did not go very fast. The volume of traffic was not very great. http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc11/IMG0014.asp
ReplyDeleteHe does mention in the video that this bridge only served and supplied 2 sheep farms
DeleteAnother shot of the Rakaia bridge, in the late 1930s with the new road bridge under construction. The new rail bridge can be seen on the left, upstream from the road bridge. http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/photos/disc5/IMG0083.asp
ReplyDelete