Page 74 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

72  SY DNEY AREA B Y AREA

e Sydney Harbour Bridge

Completed in 1932, the construction of the Sydney Harbour
Bridge was an economic feat, given the depressed times,
as well as an engi neering triumph. Prior to this, the only
links between the city centre on the south side of the
harbour and the residential north side were by ferry or
via a circuitous 20-km (12½-mile) road route with five bridge
crossings. Known as the “Coathanger”, the single-span arch
bridge was manufactured in sections and took eight years The 1932 Opening
to build, including the railway line. Loans for the total cost The ceremony was disrupted
when zealous royalist Francis
of approximately 6.25 million Australian pounds were paid de Groot rode forward and
off in 1988. Intrepid visitors can make the vertiginous climb cut the ribbon in honour, he
to its summit, with spectacular views as reward. claimed, of King and Empire.
The arch spans 503 m
(1,650 ft) and supports the
The pylons are 87 m weight of the bridge deck.
(285 ft) tall. Merely
decorative, they are
not part of the
City Centre supporting structure.

The deck, 59 m
(194 ft) above sea
level, was built Building the foundations
from the centre.

Harbour Bridge Beginning the arch
Pylon Lookout
Building the Bridge
Planted in solid sandstone, the foundations
are 12 m (39 ft) deep. The arch was built in Joining the arch
halves with steel cable restraints initially
supporting each side. Once the two
halves met, work began on the deck.

Anchoring tunnels Deck under construction
are 36 m (118 ft) long Support cables were
and dug into rock at slackened over a 12-day Temporary
each end. period, enabling both attachment plate
halves to join.

The Bridge Design
The steel arch of the bridge
supports the deck, with hinges at
either end bearing the bridge’s full
weight and spreading the load to
the foundations. The hinges allow
the structure to move as the steel
expands and contracts in response
to wind and extreme temperatures.

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