The Sydney Harbour Bridge - a Sydney icon

[Delta]

Although there are hundreds of bridges (and a growing number of tunnels) in the greater Sydney metropolitan area, The Sydney Harbour Bridge is probably the most famous art deco bridge in the world. A Sydney icon that was officially opened Saturday 19 March 1932.

The general design was prepared by Dr J.J.C Bradfield and officers of the NSW Department of Public Works of the day.

It now carries in excess of approximately 200,000 vehicles a day, 24/7. It consists of 8 traffic lanes, 2 very busy rail lines and 2 pedestrian walkways on both the eastern and western sides (the western side doubles up as a cycleway).

Its height to top of arch above sea level is 134m/433ft and the total length including the approaches is 1149m/3,770ft.

The four impressive, decorative 89m/292ft high pylons are made of concrete, faced with granite.

Time for lots of pics

Starting with a few of its construction....

...and moving right along....

***To read & see more: http://www.gids.nl/sydney/info.html

[Delta]

C/- F. Amuso:

[Delta]

I have heard that people are allowed to walk across the top of the supports of that bridge.  Is that true?  Must be quite a thrilling walk if so.

Yes, true. About 12 people are taken up at a time in protective and safety gear. I think it costs almost AUD$100.00 to do so.

Some happy customers:

[monsoon]

[Neo]

Sounds like a great adventure to walk across the top of that bridge! Very awesome bridge, love the design. It's wild how they put those things together.

[wolfdawg54]

The Sydney bridge is one beautiful bridge! I wish that I could go across it! great photos.

[Brickcity]

Awsome pics!

[kota16]

At one time I lived near the swimming pool seen in the picture of the Milsons Point side. I have seen the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC and Golden Gate and Oakland Bay Bridges in SFO. What sets Sydney apart and makes the Sydney Harbor Bridge so special is the setting, and the view from Kirribilli looking back to city is one of the great man made vistas of the planet.

[DavePaulk]

I love all these pictures Delta; keep up the good work

[Allan]

Nice pics. I've never seen pics of the bridge while it was under construction before. Now I have to go there just so I can walk across the top of the bridge supports.

[Delta]

6 diagrams of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's construction stages:

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[Cotuit]

Awesome thread, I grew up on an island, and love bridges, especially the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

This is the Sagamore Bridge leading to Cape Cod. I grew up with this bridge and it's twin, the Bourne Bridge.

Similar style to Sydney's.

[Australian1]

I've been traveling over the Sydney Harbour Bridge

once a week Delta.

Anyway, Great Pic's!