Sydney Harbour Bridge

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The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a heritage-listed steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore. The dramatic view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of Sydney and Australia.

History

The idea of a bridge to connect the northern and southern shores of the harbour was first proposed in 1815 by Francis Greenway. However, it was not until 1924 that construction began under the direction of John Bradfield and the New South Wales Department of Public Works. The bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932.

Design and Construction

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an arch bridge with a total length of 1,149 meters (3,770 feet) and a width of 49 meters (161 feet). The top of the bridge stands 134 meters (440 feet) above mean sea level. The longest span of the bridge is 503 meters (1,650 feet). The bridge is made of steel and was constructed by the British firm Dorman Long and Co Ltd.

Usage

The bridge carries eight lanes of road traffic, two rail tracks, a pedestrian walkway, and a cycleway. The road traffic lanes are configured to allow for tidal flow, with the number of lanes allocated to each direction changing throughout the day. The bridge is a vital link in the Sydney transport network, with around 160,000 vehicles crossing it daily.

Maintenance

The bridge is maintained by Transport for NSW. Regular maintenance is required to manage the effects of weathering and the high volume of traffic.

Cultural Significance

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic symbol of Sydney and Australia. It is often used in celebrations, such as the annual New Year's Eve fireworks display. The bridge is also a popular tourist attraction, with the BridgeClimb allowing visitors to climb to the top of the bridge for panoramic views of the city and harbour.

Related Pages

• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbour
• John Bradfield (engineer)
• Transport for NSW
• New South Wales Department of Public Works
• North Shore (Sydney)
• Sydney central business district