Narrow bridges

The types of signs used for narrow bridges are described in Table 6‑6. For specific sign details such as size and symbol height refer to the Sign specifications.

Table 6‑6

Sign specifications

In summary:

where the trafficable width is greater than 6.1m but is less than the sealed width of the approach including shoulders, use W13-2 Narrow bridge;
where the trafficable width of the bridge is between 5.0m and 6.1m, use the W13-2 Narrow bridge and W13-2.1 Caution wide vehicles supplementary sign. W13-2.1 signs should be used with caution, as its meaning may not be clear to some drivers; and
if the bridge or section of roadway is such that conflicts between heavy vehicles travelling in opposing directions are likely, it would be safer to sign the bridge for one way operation as described in one-lane bridges and other roadways.
One-lane bridges and other roadways

Table 6‑6: Signs for narrow bridges and tunnels

Sign code	Example	Description/use
W13-2 Narrow bridge		Should be installed on two-lane two-way roads in advance of narrow bridges where the clear trafficable width between kerbs, barrier rails or wheel guards is 6.1m or less, or where the trafficable bridge width is less than the width of approach seal (including sealed shoulders) a W13-2 may be installed on its own. No sign, other than the W13-2.1 supplementary sign plate may be attached to the W13-2 sign or its support. For sign location, refer notes 1, 2 and 3 below.

Sign code

Example

Description/use

W13-2

Narrow bridge

Traffic sign which displays a getting narrow bridge icon on a yellow background diamond shape with black details plate

Traffic sign which says caution wide vehicles on yellow rectangular background

Should be installed on two-lane two-way roads in advance of narrow bridges where the clear trafficable width between kerbs, barrier rails or wheel guards is 6.1m or less, or
where the trafficable bridge width is less than the width of approach seal (including sealed shoulders) a W13-2 may be installed on its own.

No sign, other than the W13-2.1 supplementary sign plate may be attached to the W13-2 sign or its support.

For sign location, refer notes 1, 2 and 3 below.

Table 6‑6 notes:

The sign should be located so as approaching drivers have an uninterrupted view of it over a distance of at least 120m in rural areas and at least 60m in urban areas.
The sign should be installed in advance of the nearest bridge abutment or approach road safety barrier end by a least 90m in rural areas and at least 45m in urban areas.
Markings: where the ends of the bridge parapets or handrails are not protected by road safety barrier, bridge end marker posts (W20-5.1 and W20-5.2) should be installed,
refer to bridge end marker posts at road safety barriers, bridges, and other width restrictions.

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