What Does The "hump bridge" Sign Mean?
We all know what a typical road hump is, as many drivers pass over them in each. Hump bridges are slightly different but still similar so let's learn about them.
What does the sign mean?
The term "Hump Bridge" is a sign used to tell motorists that there is a narrow crossing in the road ahead. There are a few variations of signs but all use the same meaning. The sign is also used for other situations such as where there is a hump in the road, or near an overpass to warn drivers of potential danger.
There are many reasons for this sign to exist. It may have been put there because of an increase in the amount of traffic on that specific road, it could have been a narrow part of the road (so vehicles would be forced to go slower when going through there), or it could have been because someone wanted to make a buck out of the unsuspecting drivers. The main reason for the sign is to alert drivers to a narrow section of the road that can lead to dangers.
Most hump bridges with this sign applied are narrow and have ramps on either side, suggesting the hump in the center. Think of it as a sideways "C" shape, as you need to drive upwards and then downwards on the other side of the bridge hump.
How common is this sign?
The "hump bridge" sign, as most drivers and even the general public know it, is a rarity. Although there are many variations of this sign all with the same meaning, very few signs have the hump on top which is most common. It has been estimated that only about 15% of hump bridges exist. This means that over 98% do not have this sign placed on them. The other most common variation of the hump bridge is a sign that just says "Narrow crossing". The standard version usually says "Hump Bridge Ahead", while some have been found saying "Bridge Narrow".
There are also a few different meanings to this sign. There are a handful of bridges in the UK that have had this sign placed on them. This can be said for overpasses or bridges that go over a small section of road, or even in some cases an overhead pedestrian crossing.
Where are you likely to see the "hump bridge" sign?
Before we get into the whereabouts, bridges can be classed as anything where a road goes over land or water, which includes things like overpasses and country roads where small bridges may be found.
1) Bridges
As you may have already expected, bridges can have humps in them and many do. How often do you cross a bridge that is smooth and level until you reach the other side, other than perhaps overpasses and highly constructed bridges? Many bridges are uneven and require carefulness when crossing due to the upward and downward segments of the bridge. The hump in the middle is the turning point.
2) Overpasses
Overpasses are the most common place to see the sign. The overpass is often located near a junction where there can be high amounts of traffic and/or pedestrians. This could mean that there is a busy junction in front of the bridge and it needs to be kept safe, but also because it can be difficult to see in some cases as the overpass isn't very high. Most overpasses that have this sign on them can be found around motorways and A-roads.
3) On smaller roads
You are most likely to see this sign on smaller roads than major ones like A-roads or motorways. These are often in areas where there's a lot of traffic, especially where there is an overbridge or underpass. These are usually found on side roads and residential areas.
4) Bridge junction
This sign is placed at the junction of the bridge itself. It is a very common sight on narrow bridges around the country. It is placed because of the steepness of the bridge, as well as other things. The height can be a drop too much and could cause a certain amount of danger if a car was to lose control while driving across. Another reason would be to alert drivers of the upcoming traffic ahead or the upcoming junction in which they will have to make an exit turn.
When did this sign first come into action?
The "hump bridge" sign was first seen in the early 1970s in UK. It was most likely invented as a way to keep people safe when approaching the suburbs. Back in the 1970s there were a lot of new roads being built and not many sign variations were created, so this was an easy way of alerting drivers to the hump on the road.