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The Sydney Harbour Bridge (Sydney's greatest tourism icon) - took eight years to build and opened in March 1932. Once nicknamed the 'coathanger' it is now simply called 'the bridge' by Sydneysiders. Linking the city with North Sydney, it carries eight lanes of road traffic and two railway tracks which form part of the city's rail suburban network. The Sydney Harbour Bridge has a pair of granite clad pylons at each end, they are actually there for show and do not support the great arch which is 530 metres (1650 feet) long and connected to huge hinges tied to bedrock at either end - technically Dawes Point in the south and Milsons Point in the north. The road and railway track actually hangs from the arch, 59 metres (194 feet) above sea level. Where the Golden Gate suspension system loops down to the centre, the Sydney Harbour Bridge loops up.
At its highest point, the arch is 134 metres above sea level. Taking into account the road approaches, 'the bridge' is 1150 metres or about a mile long. There are 58,000 tons of steel in the bridge, the arch of which was built from both ends and met in the middle. Steel supports for the road and rail platform were 'hung' beginning at the middle to the pylons. Its two eastern lanes were originally tram tracks, converted when Sydney abolished its trams in the 1950s. The main arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is about two feet shorter than the main span of the Golden Gate. Before it opened, its entire length was packed with railway carriages, trams and buses to test its ability to support a total traffic jam. It was designed to withstand winds of 200 kilometres and hour, which are cyclonic (hurricane) in force and have never been recorded in Sydney.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, tour the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A unique Sydney adventure with spectacular views. Book now for yourself or a great gift idea for your loved ones. Visit www.bridgeclimb.com
The Sydney Harbour Bridge joins the northern and southern shores of Sydney harbour. It took 1400 men, 8 years, 53 000 tonnes of steel, and 4.2 million pounds to build. The bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932. It now carries 8 traffic lanes and 2 rail lines.
"Restaurants in Sydney" is a directory of Sydney's most popular and top dining venues and restaurants, hotels, motels and accommodation. Everything from waterfront restaurants to those hidden gems in the CBD lane-ways. Looking for Vegetarian Restaurants? - Visit www.vegetarianfood.com.au |