See how Sydney Harbour Bridge changed between 1932 and 2026. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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On 19 August 1930, the two halves of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's steel arch met above the harbour, a pivotal moment in its construction. This monumental project, initiated in 1923, was overseen by engineer J.J.C. Bradfield and executed by British firm Dorman Long & Co. The bridge, affectionately known as "The Coathanger" due to its arch-based design, was completed in 1932. It spans 503 metres with a height of 134 metres above the water, making it the world's tallest steel arch bridge. The structure comprises 53,000 tonnes of steel and six million hand-driven rivets. The granite for its pylons was quarried near Moruya on the New South Wales South Coast. The bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932 by New South Wales Premier Jack Lang. Notably, Captain Francis de Groot, a member of the New Guard, controversially cut the ribbon before the official ceremony. (nma.gov.au) Since its opening, the Sydney Harbour Bridge has become an iconic symbol of Australia, representing progress and engineering prowess. (asce.org)
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