Sydney Harbour Bridge

Old Coat Hanger

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia The Sydney Harbour Bridge began construction in 1926 and was completed in 1932, linking the southern & northern shores of Sydney. Often referred to as the "Old Coat Hanger" the bridge cost $20 million dollars to complete and was eventually paid off in 1988. Click here for more information on the construction of the bridge on Time Has Pass .

Very Rivetting

The general design was made by English engineer Ralph Freeman and Dr JJC Bradfield & the officers of the NSW Department of Pubic Works. It took 1400 workers to build the bridge & there was 16 deaths by accidents during construction. The bridge is made of steel & contains 6 million hand driven rivets. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia Huge hinges absorb the bridges expansion which rises & falls approx 180mm due to the hot Australian climate. The bridge is the worlds largest Steel Arch Bridge (but not the longest) & the deck at 49m makes it the widest longspan bridge in the world. When the bridge originally opened a car cost 6 pence and a horse & rider 3 pence to cross. The total length of the bridge is 1149m, arch span 503m & total steelworks weighs 52,800 tonnes. Approx 150,000 cars cross each day.

Not All Smooth Sailing

During the opening of the bridge the ceremony was disrupted by Francis de Groot. De Groot mounted on a horse and with sword in hand rode forward and cut the ribbon. He declared his act in honour of the King and Empire.