Sydney Harbour Bridge

This collection contains a small selection of archives relating to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

In 1922, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act to sanction the construction of ‘a bridge of the cantilever or arch type across Sydney Harbour from Dawes Point to Milson's Point designed, in common with the approaches thereto.’

The Council was closely involved in pre-construction remodeling of city streets to accommodate the southern approach to the bridge and the expected increase in traffic. Construction began on the southern approach at Dawes Point in 1926 and the first sections of the steel arches were placed in position in October 1928. 

As work neared completion, Lord Mayor Joseph Jackson convened a meeting in September 1931 to consider the opening celebrations. Prominent citizens of Sydney attended and formed the 'Sydney Harbour Bridge Celebrations Committee' to organise a week of pageantry, displays and celebrations around the opening. On the eve of the opening in March 1932, Lord Mayor Samuel Walder held a celebratory ball at the Sydney Town Hall. The following day, 19th March 1932, the opening pageant left Queens Square at 10.30am, proceeded via College, Park and York Streets past the dais at the southern approach and continued over the bridge and through North Sydney before returning to disperse in Kent Street. 

In addition to being a vital transport artery, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic site for sport, spectatorship, protest and celebration in the city. 

To find even more items relating to the Sydney Harbour Bridge try the search tool. As the building and management of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a State government function, key archives will be part of the collection of Museums of History NSW.