The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. Located in Sydney, it connects the central business district (CBD) with the North Shore, spanning the stunning Sydney Harbour. Here are key details about the bridge:
1. Design and Structure
- Type: It is a steel through arch bridge.
- Length: 1,149 meters (3,770 feet), making it one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world.
- Height: The top of the arch rises 134 meters (440 feet) above the water.
- Width: The bridge is 49 meters (161 feet) wide, making it the widest long-span bridge globally at the time of its completion.
- Weight: The total weight of the steelwork is 52,800 tonnes.
2. Construction
- Opened: March 19, 1932.
- Engineer: Designed by John Bradfield, a key Australian engineer, with assistance from British firm Dorman Long.
- Construction Time: It took eight years to build (1924-1932).
- Steel Arch: The arch is made up of 39,000 tonnes of steel, and the steelwork was manufactured in Middlesbrough, England, and then shipped to Sydney.
3. Traffic
- The bridge carries vehicles, trains, pedestrians, and bicycles. It has:
- 8 lanes for vehicles.
- 2 railway tracks.
- A pedestrian walkway.
- A cycleway.
4. Nicknames
- It is affectionately known as "The Coathanger" due to its arch-based design.
5. Climb Experience
- The bridge offers a popular tourist attraction, the BridgeClimb, where visitors can climb to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the city and harbour.
6. Cultural Significance
- The bridge is an essential part of Sydney’s New Year's Eve fireworks display.
- It's also a symbol of Australian progress and engineering achievement.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a key part of the city's identity, serving as both a functional infrastructure and a cultural icon.
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