Spencer Street Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spencer Street Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 37°49′23″S 144°57′21″E / 37.822942°S 144.955893°E |
| Carries | Road, trams, pedestrians |
| Crosses | Yarra River |
| Locale | Melbourne, Australia |
| Characteristics | |
| Material | All steel superstructure |
| Total length | 405 ft (123 m) |
| Width | 80.6 ft (24.6 m) Roadway 12 ft (3.7 m) footways |
| Height | 28.5 ft (8.7 m) |
| Longest span | 130 ft (40 m) |
| Number of spans | 3 |
| Piers in water | Concrete on cylindrical caissons faced with bluestone down to rock |
| History | |
| Architect | Royal Victorian Institute of Architects Mr Oakley Mr Kermode Mr Perrin |
| Engineering design by | Mr W. D. Chapman |
| Constructed by | Railways Construction Branch |
| Construction begin | 28 October 1927 |
| Construction end | 1930 |
| Construction cost | £168,700 |
The Spencer Street Bridge is an important bridge in Melbourne, Australia. It crosses the Yarra River. This bridge connects Spencer Street on the north side to Clarendon Street on the south. It carries cars, trams, and people.
The idea for a bridge at this spot first came up in the mid-1800s. The current bridge was finished in 1930.
Contents
Building the Spencer Street Bridge
Designing the Bridge
The design for the Spencer Street Bridge was chosen through a public competition. Two engineers, Edward Saunders and Alan Wilson, won the competition. They worked with architects Alfred R. La Gerche and W. E. Gower. The winning design was announced in November 1925.
Construction Challenges
Construction on the bridge began in October 1927. Engineers knew they would need to dig very deep to find solid rock for the bridge's foundations. About 20 meters (65 feet) below sea level, they hit something unexpected. It was a large stump from a red gum tree.
It took three weeks of hard work to remove this ancient stump. Scientists later studied the stump. They found it was about 8,000 years old! The tree itself had lived for over 400 years before it fell.
Bridge Completion
The Spencer Street Bridge was completed in 1930. It is a type of bridge called a cantilever girder bridge. This means it uses strong steel beams that extend out from the supports.
In 1998, a new glass and steel footbridge was built next to the main bridge. This footbridge is part of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. It makes it easier for people to walk across the river.
Images for kids
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The parallel glass and steel footbridge
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Yarra River & Spencer Street Bridge
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Spencer Street Bridge 1930 Plaque
