Sydney Harbour Bridge

A famous bridge across Sydney Harbour

The idea to build a bridge across Sydney Harbour connecting Sydney to the North Shore was first discussed in 1815, but nothing further was done until the 20th century.

In 1914 John Bradfield was made Chief Engineer of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Metropolitan Railway Construction, with his work on the bridge leading to the nickname of “father of the bridge”. The project was approved in 1922 with designs invited from around the world. It was won in 1924 by engineering firm Dorman Long & Co Ltd from Middlesbrough who were well-known for building the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle. A similar design was proposed for this project but the arch was cheaper than the other proposals of suspension or cantilever bridge.

Construction was finished on 19th January 1932.

Key measurements: Length: 1,149m (3770ft) Height: 134m (440ft)1 Width: 49m (160ft)