Sydney Harbour Bridge Happy 75th Birthday "Coat Hanger"!

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The Sydney Harbour Bridge took eight years to build, including the railroad line, and was assembled in sections on a site that is now occupied by Luna Park. Prior to the bridge being built, the only links between the city centre in the south and the residential north were by ferry or by a 20 kilometre road route that involved five bridge crossings. Construction on the bridge began in December 1926. The foundations, which are 12 metres (39 feet) deep, are set in sandstone. The arch was built in halves with steel cable restraints initially supporting each side, and spans 503 metres (1650 feet) and supports the weight of the bridge deck, with hinges at either end bearing the bridge's full weight and spreading the load to the foundations. The hinges allow the structure to move as the steel expands and contracts in response to wind and temperature. By October 1930, the two arch halves had met and work then began on the deck. The deck is 59 metres (194 feet) above sea level and was built from the centre out. The Harbour Bridge was officially opened on March 19, 1932. The total cost of the Bridge was approximately 6.25 million Australian pounds ($A13.5 million), which was was eventually paid off in 1988. The initial toll for a car was 6 pence (5 cents) and a horse and rider was 3 pence (2 cents). Today the toll costs $3. The toll is now used for bridge maintenance and to pay for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. The annual maintenance costs are approximately $5 million. More than 150,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day. The bridge was built by 1400 workers, 16 of whom were killed in accidents during construction. Painting the bridge has become an endless task. Approximately 80,000 litres (21,000 gallons) of paint are required for each coat, enough to cover an area equivalent to 60 soccer fields. Happy 75th Birthday "Coat Hanger"!