Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour bridge is a massive steel arch spanning 1650 ft (503 m) between bearings which anchor it in place at Dawes Point and Milsons Point, and it has five steel truss approach spans on each side, linking to the main bridge deck.

The bridge has eight traffic lanes, two rail tracks, a pedestrian walkway and a cycleway, on a deck suspended 170 ft (52m) above the water. Granite faced pylons at the abutments give the bridge a sense of stability and greatly enhance its aesthetic appeal and recognisable character, but they are not structural elements of the bridge.

Bradfield was the principal supporter, planner and initiator of the bridge. He also supervised its construction. The bridge was built by Dorman Long & Co from the United Kingdom to a detailed design by its engineering consultant, Ralph Freeman.

The bridge finally realised dreams since the early days of the Colony of a permanent link between Sydney and the north side of the harbour. It accelerated development of the northern suburbs, greatly improved access to the northern beaches, and provided a more direct route north out of the city. Apart from being a superb structure the Bridge is symbolic of the contribution made by engineers and workmen to the development of Sydney, and to the creation of the lifestyle we enjoy today.

Inside the south eastern pylon adjacent the walkway is a plaque awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1988 designating the Bridge an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and at the Pylon Lookout, is a plaque awarded in 1988 by The Institution of Engineers, Australia proclaiming the Bridge a National Engineering Landmark.

The bridge remains in service as a key transport artery of Sydney however perhaps its greatest importance is that has become an enduring symbol of Australia.

Sydney Harbur Bridge from Blues Point Wharf.

The northern end of the arch trusses at Milsons Point..

Setting up the jacks to stress the top chord of the truss. September 1930.

Flags flying from the jibs of the erection creeper cranes on the morning of 20 August 1930 signify that the two half arches had successfully met during the previous night. Bill Anderson collection.

The America Society of Civil Engineers International Historic Civil Engineering Marker on the bridge.

The carefully worded plaque on the bridge setting out those responsible for its construction.

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Sydney Harbour Bridge location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	International Historic Civil Engineering Marker (IHCEL)
Award Date	25 June 1999
Heritage Significance	The bridge was and remains the largest steel arch bridge in the world.
Nomination Document	Available here.

References:
Australian Government, Screen Australia, Sydney's Harbour Bridge, 1933, 8 minutes.