The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a masterpiece in so many ways, and its achievement validates the future argument for bold architecture, daring engineering, and innovative infrastructure as form, not simply function. Although comparable bridges have been built previously, they incorporated problems never before explored. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was designed to be easy to build and maintain, with wide-ranging benefits for society as a whole.
The bridge's creator, Ellis Richard Hughes, wanted to create a structure that was attractive and functional, with capacity for expansion. He also wanted to incorporate the use of steel into large-scale building projects for the first time. The result is a landmark that is both iconic and influential worldwide. It has become a symbol of Australia and New South Wales, and has withstood the test of time well beyond anyone's expectations.
Hughes' son said of his father: "He believed that by designing something new he could make a difference, and indeed he did." The bridge's success can be attributed to its innovative design, which made it easier to construct than previous bridges. Its wide-ranging benefits include being earthquake resistant and allowing for major road improvements without disrupting traffic flow.
In conclusion, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a success because it is an example of good design creating a better life for everyone who uses it.
The Harbour Bridge has become a lasting national landmark and has inspired many of Australia's leading artists. It is one of the world's most magnificent arches. The unique feature that makes the bridge so special is its use of steel girders instead of stone or concrete. This allows the bridge to be flexible enough for large vehicles to drive under it.
The first section of the current bridge was opened on 20 November 1932 by the Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons. He swung a sledgehammer to break open a case containing the original plans for the structure. The main span was then lifted into position using hydraulic jacks and fixed into place with 2,750 bolts.
The total cost of construction was estimated at the time to be about AUS $14 million ($70 million in 2015 dollars). Today the bridge is a major source of income for the state government of New South Wales (NSW) as well as being a popular tourist attraction. It carries both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The bridge has been altered several times since its opening. In 1940, the main trusses were painted red, white and blue to represent peace after World War II had ended in triumph. In 1985, laser beams were used to paint a black-and-white image of the night sky on the arch over Sydney Opera House.
The Australian Historic Council determined that the Sydney Harbour Bridge is of exceptional national heritage importance. Its building was a significant event in Australian history. Its inauguration in 1932 was essential in the building of contemporary Sydney and served as a focal point for national optimism throughout the Great Depression. The Council also notes that the bridge has become an integral part of the cultural identity of Australia.
The decision makes it possible for the bridge to be listed on the Australian Heritage Register, which will protect its important historical contents and settings from unsympathetic development.
The decision also means that the public can now make a contribution to ensure that this important structure is preserved for future generations by voting on whether or not they believe it should be included on the National Heritage List. Voting takes place every five years with early elections being held during times of general dissatisfaction with government policy.
Voting closes on 23 January 2018 at 5pm EST (10pm GMT).
1. THIS IS A VISION (ARY) The magnificent elegance of the bridge's visual design cannot be denied. The bridge is regarded as one of the most significant additions to Sydney's transportation infrastructure to date, having been in service for over 84 years as the impetus for connecting the north and south sides of the harbour. It is also considered a landmark in Australian and world architecture.
2. IT'S EASY TO FIND ANYWHERE You can find the bridge any place you look around Sydney - on Bay Street, on Cumberland Street, in Darlinghurst or even in Parramatta!
3. IT'S ONE OF SYDNEY'S BEST-KNOWN SITES Although it's not the city's oldest structure (that honor goes to the first colonial settlement at Port Jackson), it is certainly one of the most famous. The bridge has been featured in many films including Underdog, Young Guns II, Babe and The Matrix Revolutions. It has also been used extensively for advertising both within Australia and abroad. In 1987, it was selected as one of the World Heritage Sites in Australia.
4. IT HASN'T STAYED THE WAY PEOPLE THOUGHT IT WOULD At its opening on January 17, 1973, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was expected to last for only about seven decades before becoming obsolete under its own weight.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is today a pleasant sight that inspires astonishment and surprise in both Sydney residents and visitors. However, its past is not without sorrow. Sixteen of the 1400 employees assigned to work on the bridge died on the job. This was mostly due to mishaps that occurred during building.
The first death occurred when a steel worker fell to his death from the bridge while it was under construction. The second death occurred when a car driver failed to see the workers standing in the middle of the road and hit them. Three more deaths followed this incident.
In 1958, a 35-year-old security guard named Stanley Dobson was killed while checking traffic lights on the bridge. He stood in the path of an approaching truck and was crushed to death.
There have been other accidents on the bridge but they are not considered fatal because all who were involved survived. In 1980, a fire broke out on board a fishing boat that had run into trouble near the Middle Gate entrance to the harbour. The captain attempted to drive the boat away from the bridge but became disorientated. He ran aground at Castle Hill about two miles from the main span. All those aboard escaped unharmed except for the boat, which was completely destroyed.
In January 2009, another accident occurred when a semi-trailer truck crashed into the side of the bridge after becoming disoriented in heavy fog. The driver was injured but survived.
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