Clouded

The Otira Viaduct is actually hollow. 

Interesting story (maybe).  

Back when they were building the viaduct I was living in Springfield.  I knew a few of the guys involved with the construction.  When it was nearing completion a group of us got invited to walk through it.

I was able to invite my parents, who were living in Hokitika, along for the trip.  It wasn't quite joined at the lower point when we went so we walked in from the top end and then got craned off in a cage at the lower end.  Absolutely fascinating!  And the only evidence I have of it is an incredibly blurred photo that Mum took of two of my friends and I.

This was really special to my Dad, because he was driving a 'B train' in those days, over the pass and back every night.  He would have to drop a fully loaded truck trailer in Otira, grind up the pass with just one trailer on, drop it in Arthur's, then go back to pick up the other trailer. Hook them back up in Arthur's and drive on to Christchurch.  Then repeat the process on the way back a few hours later.

The opening of the viaduct meant he could drive the truck over in one go - a long slow grind but it beat the zig zag trips!

Anyway, every time I drive the viaduct I get a stupid smile on my face thinking about having walked through it 'inside' the road.