Sydney Harbour Bridge
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The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney's most famous landmarks. Completed in 1932, the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was an economic feat as well as an engineering triumph. Prior to the Bridge being built, the only links between the city centre in the south and the residential north were by ferry or by a 20 km (12 ½ mile) road route that involved five bridge crossings.
The Harbour Bridge, known as the "Coat Hanger", took eight years to build, including the railroad line. The bridge was manufactured in sections on the site of the future Luna Park.
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December, 1926
Planted in solid sandstone, the foundations are 12 m (39 ft) deep. Anchoring tunnels are 36 m (118 ft) long and are dug into rock at each end.
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November, 1929
The arch was built in halves with steel cable restraints initially
supporting each side.
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August, 1930
The arch spans 503 m (1,650 ft) and supports the weight of the bridge 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 changes in temperatures.
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October, 1930
Once the two halves were met, work began on the deck. The deck is 59 m (194 ft) above sea level and was built from the center out.
Bridge Facts
The Harbour Bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932. The total cost of the Bridge was approximately 6.25 million Australian pounds, and was eventually paid off in 1988. The initial toll for a car was 6 pence and a horse and rider was 3 pence. Today the toll costs $2.00. The toll is now used for bridge maintenance and to pay for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. The annual maintenance costs are approximately A$5 million. Over 150,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day.
The bridge was built by 1,400 workers, 16 of whom were killed in accidents during construction. Painting the bridge has become an endless task. Approximately 80,000 litres (21,000 gallons) of paint are required for each coat, enough to cover an area equivalent to 60 soccer fields. Before Paul Hogan (from the movie 'Crocodile Dundee') became famous, he worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a painter.
Pylon Lookout
Recommended for all visitors to Sydney is the Pylon Lookout. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb the 200 steps for a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour. Inside the Lookout is a fascinating display on how this bridge was built. Entry to the Pylon is from the pedestrian walkway on the Harbour Bridge. You can get to the walkway via the stairs in Cumberland Street, The Rocks, or from near Milsons Point Station on the north side. The Pylon Lookout is open every day except Christmas Day.
After 4 weeks of re-development, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout re-opened 23rd June 2003 with fascinating new exhibits.
The development includes the installation of a 'Dangerous Works' model which highlights aspects of the working conditions experienced during construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and two spectacular stained glass memorial feature windows depicting the skill and dedication of the workers who made the bridge. There are many interesting facts to discover about the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the Pylon Lookout.
For more information take a look at the following link; http://www.bridgeclimb.com
