Gladesville Bridge, Sydney
When opened on 2 October 1964, the 305m (1000ft) span Gladesville Bridge was the longest span concrete bridge in the world, and remained so for around 20 years.
The bridge was designed by 22 year old engineer Tony Gee of G Maunsell & Partners, and was constructed for the Department of Main Roads NSW by Reed & Mallik in association with Stuart Bros.
The arch comprises four concrete ribs constructed from hollow precast concrete units stressed together. The roadway is formed by prestressed concrete deck beams carried on pre-stressed concrete columns rising from the arch.
It is believed to be one of the first major bridges designed with the aid of a computer. Through many innovations, the bridge contributed to new standards of bridge design and construction.
Gladesville is an elegant bridge; it not only has a high level of aesthetic significance, but its design reflects a growing awareness that form should be as important as function, and that structures should harmonise with their surroundings.
Gladesville Bridge is of international heritage significance for the contribution it made to bridge design and construction by setting new standards, and its inclusion of a number of innovations that were subsequently widely adopted.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Historic Engineering Heritage International Marker (EHIM)
International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by American Society of Civil Engineers |
| Award Date | October 2014 |
| Heritage Significance | At the time of its construction Gladesville Bridge was the logest span concrete arch bridge in the world. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet | Available here. |
| 1964 Opening Booklet | Available here. |
| Interpretation Panel | Available here. |
