Bridge workers

In yesterday's post, I mentioned the iconic status of the Brisbane River as far as the local inhabitants are concerned. The premier bridge across the river is this one, the Story Bridge, which links Kangaroo Point on the southern side with Fortitude Valley to the north. The bridge was designed by Queensland engineer Dr John Bradfield, who also designed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Story Bridge was built downstream from the city's first bridge, the Victoria Bridge, which runs from the end of Queen Street to West End.

The Story Bridge was completed in 1940 as a result of a public works program that commenced during the depression to provide work for Australians in those harsh economic times. The capital funds to build the bridge were lent to the city by the financial services sector, with AMP being one of the larger contributors, and repaid by the collection of a toll.

More recognition of the river being an integral part of the city has led to the bridge being lit at night and used as a launching pad for fireworks during celebrations. There is now a bridge climbing tour that takes its customers up to the top of the bridge for morning, daytime and evening tours.

The photo was taken from a newer city icon, the CityCat, and shows some workmen doing some welding on the bridge structure. As with all bridges, maintenance is ongoing, and the Story Bridge is repainted every seven years.

EXIF: Nikon D70; Nikkor 70-200 mm VR; ISO 200; 1/200 sec; f11.

TFF