PontÉtats-Unis
Règles de circulation
États-Unis
10. Pont
Un pont est un ouvrage qui fait passer une route, un chemin ou une voie ferrée au-dessus d’un obstacle tel qu’une rivière, une vallée, une voie ferrée ou une autre route. Un pont routier peut comporter une ou plusieurs chaussées ainsi que des aménagements pour piétons ou cyclistes.
Les conducteurs doivent respecter toute restriction de vitesse, de poids, de hauteur, de largeur ou d’accès des véhicules applicable au pont. Une prudence particulière peut être nécessaire sur les ponts étroits, exposés ou mobiles et lorsque des conditions météorologiques telles que le vent, la pluie ou le verglas affectent la chaussée.
What is a bridge?
A bridge is a structure that carries a road, path or railway over an obstacle such as a river, valley, railway or another road.
Can a bridge carry several traffic lanes?
Yes. Road bridges may carry one or several traffic lanes and can also contain pavements, cycle facilities or public-transport infrastructure.
Can a bridge have a weight limit?
Yes. A bridge may have restrictions on the maximum vehicle mass or axle load that it can safely accommodate. Drivers of heavy vehicles must obey the applicable signs.
Can a bridge have a width or height restriction?
Yes. Narrow bridges or structures forming part of a bridge can have width, height or other dimensional restrictions indicated by traffic signs.
What is a movable bridge?
A movable bridge is a bridge that can open, lift, swing or otherwise move to allow ships or other traffic to pass beneath or through it.
What should you do when a movable bridge is opening?
Stop when required by the traffic lights, barriers or other signals and remain behind the designated stopping point until the crossing is reopened.
Can bridges become slippery?
Yes. Bridge surfaces can become wet, icy or slippery and may sometimes cool differently from the surrounding road. Drivers should adapt their speed to the actual conditions.
Can strong winds be dangerous on a bridge?
Yes. Exposed bridges can be affected by crosswinds, particularly for motorcycles, bicycles, high-sided vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.
Can you stop or park on a bridge?
This depends on the local traffic rules, road layout and signs. Stopping or parking may be prohibited where it would create danger, obstruct traffic or reduce the available road width.
Can pedestrians and cyclists use a bridge?
Yes, where permitted. Bridges may provide pavements, cycle paths or shared facilities, while high-speed or restricted bridges may prohibit certain road users.
Can traffic be restricted to one direction on a narrow bridge?
Yes. Priority signs, traffic lights or other traffic-management measures may control which direction passes first where two-way traffic cannot safely meet.
Should you overtake on a narrow bridge?
Only when overtaking is legal and clearly safe. Limited width or visibility can make overtaking inappropriate even where no specific prohibition is shown.
