Bridges are essential pieces of infrastructure that are integral to the development of cities and towns. Bridges connect farms to markets, allowing the efficient delivery of produce and livestock to the cities. They are also essential in transporting supplies and equipment for construction and building projects.
More importantly, they are impressive feats of engineering and architecture. Australia has its fair share of towering bridges. Here are the most famous ones.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, located in Sydney, New South Wales, is one of the longest and most famous bridges in the country. A known landmark near the Opera House of Australia, its longest span is 500 metres. The bridge crosses Port Jackson in between the central business district and the North Shore.
The planning for this bridge took so long before they finally began the construction in 1924. It was the contractor from England, the Dorman Long and Co Ltd of Middlesbrough, who won the bid. The chief engineer was J.J.C. Bradfield.
The bridge is made up of almost 53,000 tons of steel built with the help of some 1,400 workers and masons. It took massive work and earthmoving equipment, including compactors for hire, to pull this off.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, which opened in the year 1932, measures 1,149 metres long with a 503-metre span, making it the 6th largest arch bridge in the world. It now has eight lanes for vehicles and two rail lines.
Anzac Bridge
Some 3,000 kilometres from the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the next longest bridge, the Anzac Bridge. Located in Sydney, it crosses the Johnstons Bay between the Rozelle and Pyrmont. The bridge is known as the largest bridge cable stayed in Australia with a span of about 345 metres.
The construction started in 1992, and it opened in the year 1995. The Anzac bridge replaced the swing bridge to Glebe Island. The bridge was later named after the valiant New Zealand and Australian army corps that served in the World War I.
Story Bridge
The Australian Story Bridge is situated in Brisbane, Queensland. It is the link between the Fortitude Valley and the Kangaroo Point. It is known as the third largest bridge in the place. The construction of the great Story Bridge started in 1935. It was designed by a local engineer by the name of ‘John Bradfield.’
One of the main reasons for the creation of the bridge was employment. It was the time of the Great Depression’, and it was crucial for people to have work. In 1940 they opened the Story bridge. which is still known as the largest metal truss bridge in the country. Since 2005, it was possible to climb on top of the bridge making it a more popular tourist attraction.
Kurilpa Bridge
The Kurilpa Bridge was started in 2007. Found in Brisbane, Queensland where it serves as a pedestrian bridge, it is 470-metre long and has a span of 128 metres. In 2009, the bridge was opened to the public.
In 2011, Kurilpa bridge won the title “World Transport Building of the Year” at the World Architecture Festival in Australia. Kurilpa is a modern day bridge with LED lighting that changes its colours.
If you are visiting Australia, or are a local, take the time out to visit these bridges and see how beautiful they truly are.
