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 road and tram bridge in Melbourne, Australia. It crosses the Yarra River, connecting Spencer Street on the north side with Clarendon Street on the south. This bridge helps many people travel across the city every day.
Contents
Spencer Street Bridge: Connecting Melbourne
The idea for a bridge at this spot first came up in the mid-1800s. It took many years for the plans to become real. Today, the bridge is a key part of Melbourne's transport system.
How the Bridge Was Designed
In November 1925, there was a public competition to design the new bridge. Engineers Edward Saunders and Alan Wilson, along with architects Alfred R. La Gerche and W. E. Gower, won the contest. Their design was chosen to create this important link.
Building the Bridge: A Big Challenge
Construction of the Spencer Street Bridge began on October 28, 1927. Building a bridge over a river is always a big job. Engineers knew they needed very deep foundations to reach solid rock.
An Ancient Discovery
During construction, workers dug down about 20 meters (that's like digging down seven stories!). They hit something unexpected: a very old red gum tree stump. It took three weeks to remove this ancient stump. Scientists later figured out it was about 8,000 years old. This tree had lived for over 400 years before it became buried.
The bridge itself was finished in 1930. It uses a special design called a cantilever girder type. This means it has strong steel beams that support the road above.
The Bridge Today
In 1998, a modern glass and steel footbridge was built right next to the Spencer Street Bridge. This new footbridge is part of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. It gives people a safe and easy way to walk across the river.
Gallery
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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
