© TotajlaSydney Harbour Bridge 1932
Sydney Harbour Bridge 1932
The Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge has become one of the world’s most iconic bridges and a symbol both of Sydney and Australia. It was constructed by the British firm, Dorman Long & Co., with Sir Ralph Freeman, of Freeman Fox & Partners, carrying out the detailed design work. The initial design by John Bradfield had specified a cantilever design but advances in steelmaking enabled the redesign as a less expensive steel-arch bridge.
The bridge would have to carry the heavy loads of rail and road across the deep waters of the harbour to the new suburbs to the north. The population was growing fast and the new connection was vital to the city.
It was constructed out from each bank and connected in the middle in 1930. Its 503m central span makes it one of the longest bridges of its type in the world.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Steel-arch bridge that has become an icon of Australia
Key Facts
Steel-arch bridge opened in 1932
Links Sydney with its suburbs to the north
Carries four railtracks and a highway
Location
Sydney, Australia
Links Dawes Point on the south with Milsons Point on the north
Across Sydney Harbour
Designer
Sir Ralph Freeman, Freeman Fox & Partners (final, detailed design)
John Bradfield (initial design)
Description
Steel-arch bridge
503m main span
1,149m total length
Main contractors
Dorman Long and Co.
Construction
Began in 1923
Opened 19 March 1932
Other long-span bridges
