The largest steel arch bridge in the world. Built at a time of the Great Depression in 1932. A symbol of hope and national pride for the Australians when unemployment was rife and poverty prevailed.
Middlesborough, Britain, provided 79% of the 52 000 tonnes of steel used for the construction which took 8 years to complete.
The bridge opened to world wide fanfare on 19th March 1932 as a triumph of engineering and architecture. More importantly, for the millions of proud Australians and people worldwide, it was a shared moment of hope that momentarily lifted people out of the gloom of the great depression.
Not unlike the Royal Wedding recently.
The bridge stands 134 m tall(440 feet) and it is possible to climb to the top through steps and harnesses. It was an exhilarating experience not just for the physical and visual thrill, but more for the amazing feeling of being one with such a symbolic structure of history.
One up for the people down under!
