Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sydney Harbour Bridge
e
Completed in 1932, the construction of the
Sydney Harbour Bridge was an economic feat,
given the depressed times, as well as an engi-
neering triumph. Prior to this, the only links
between the city centre on the south side of the
harbour and the residential north side were by ferry
or a circuitous 20-km
(12½-mile)
road route with
five bridge crossings. Known as the “Coathanger”,
the single-span arch bridge was manufactured in
sections and took eight years to build, including
the railway line. Loans for the total cost of
approximately 6.25 million Australian pounds were paid
off in 1988. Intrepid visitors can make the vertiginous
climb to its summit, with spectacular views as reward.
The 1932 Opening
The ceremony was disrupted
when zealous royalist Francis
de Groot rode forward and
cut the ribbon, in honour, he
claimed, of King and Empire.
Ceremonial
scissors
The deck
, 59 m (194 ft)
above sea level, was
built from the centre.
The arch
spans
503 m (1,650 ft) and
supports the weight
of the bridge deck.
CITY CENTRE
Harbour Bridge
Pylon Lookout
Building the foundations
Beginning the arch
BUILDING THE BRIDGE
Planted in solid sandstone, the found-
ations are 12 m (39 ft) deep. The arch was
built in halves with steel cable restraints
initially supporting each side. Once the
two halves met, work began on the deck.
Joining the arch
Deck under construction
Anchoring tunnels
are 36 m (118 ft)
long and dug into
rock at each end.
Support cables
were
slackened over a 12-
day period, enabling
the two halves to join.
Temporary
attachment plate
The Bridge Design
The steel arch of the bridge
supports the deck, with hinges
at either end bearing the bridge's
full weight and spreading the load
to the foundations. The hinges allow the
structure to move as the steel expands
and contracts in response to wind
and extreme temperatures.
