Sydney harbour bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the world's largest steel arch bridges, has connected Sydney's central business district with the North Shore since 1932.

About this subject

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, opened in 1932, is an icon of Australian engineering. With a length of 1,149 meters and a main arch span of 503 meters, it was the world's largest steel arch bridge until the Lupu Bridge in Shanghai was completed in 2003. The structure carries eight lanes of road traffic, two railway lines, a cycleway, and a pedestrian footpath.

Construction began in 1928 and employed 1,400 workers who erected 52,800 tonnes of steel, much of it imported from England. The total cost was £4.2 million (approximately A$500 million in today's values). The bridge was designed by engineer John Bradfield, who oversaw the project from its inception to completion.

The opening was marked by a dramatic event: Labour Premier Jack Lang was to cut the ribbon, but Captain Francis de Groot of a right-wing paramilitary group slashed it with his sword first. The ribbon was then retied and officially cut by Lang.

The bridge is a major tourist attraction. The BridgeClimb takes visitors 1,332 steps to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the Sydney Opera House. At night, the bridge is illuminated, and it plays a central role in New Year's Eve fireworks displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

The arch reaches 134 meters above sea level, allowing large cruise ships to pass underneath.

How many people worked on building the bridge?

Around 1,400 workers were employed during construction, which took eight years to complete.

Can you walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

Yes, there is a pedestrian footpath on the eastern side, offering views of the Sydney Opera House and the harbour.