In 1891, Bradfield joined the New South Wales Department of Public works. He was a founder of the Sydney Engineering Society in 1895 and was president of the society in 1902-03 and 1919-20. When Bradfield was president in 1903, his attention was drawn to the competition to design a bridge across the Sydney Harbour. In 1912, Bradfield was appointed Chief Engineer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Metropolitan Railway Construction.
The idea to design a bridge across Sydney harbour had been present since the 1800s. The only real development in this idea, however, began with a competition in 1900 to design the bridge. Over the next 18 years, with the guidance of Bradfield, the construction of the bridge began to develop. There were many reports prepared on the bridge and in the end, an international competition was held. Bradfield was responsible for setting the boundries of the project and suggesting that the design should be an arch-shaped bridge. In 1915, John Bradfield submitted a report about the electrification of suburban railways, a underground city railway and the design for the Harbour Bridge. World War 1 (1914-1918) lead to the collapse of all three of Bradfield's ideas and it was not until 1922 that the Bridge was passed through parliament and 1923 until the railway systems to go with the Bridge were addressed. The construction for the Bridge began in 1924. Bradfield guided the entire project and work on the arch began in 1929. Bradfield's vision was becoming reality. The Bidge was opened on SAturday the 19th of March, 1932 when Bradfield was 64 years old. Through Bradfield's period of public and parliamentary exposure no one doubted his significance in the process of the Bridge. There was some controversy over Bradfield's involvement as the original designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, however, in 1929 when a serious of articles by the Sydney Morning Herald who described Ralph Freeman, consulting engineer to the man who contributed the winning design of the competition, as the original designer. Bradfield was interviewed and he responded by saying; "I originated the cantavilier bridge design recommended by the public works commitee in 1913 and subsequently the arch bridge design of 1650 feet span". The controversy was never truly resolved.
Bradfield had many aspects that undoubtedly lead to the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When he first showed interest in designing the Bridge, Bradfield became heavily involved with its deveolpment. Bradfield had many setbacks in the construction of the Bridge, including World War 1, but through his determination, the project passed and the Harbour Bridge was built. Another aspect he had was the talent to design a bridge that was strong and efficient in design. He travelled overseas to find the perfect design and in returning, promoted that the bridge should be an arch bridge. Bradfield also had many ideas for other developments including the Cataract Dam near Sydney, the Burrinjuck Dam and the Bradfield Scheme. He was constanly finding new ways to create a better future. Through his easy passage of the design of the Harbour Bridge, Bradfield began to promote other ideas of his schemes. The public was able to see the development of the undergrund city railway, made by Bradfield, in 1923. Bradfield was donned the "father" of the bridge because it was his vision and through his enthusiasm, dedication, engineering expertise and overall constant supervision of the project, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was erected. He was possibly the first man in Australia who planned for the city to reach a population of 2 million people and his constant thinking of the future made him able to come up with new ways of improving Australian society. All of these are aspects that were very important to the completion of the Bridge. If Dr John Bradfield had not possessed these qualities, the Sydney Habour Bridge would not be as it is today.
In the interwar period, Bradfield's actions, particularly the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, provided the Australian society with a better future. The connection of the northern and southern parts of the Sydney Harbour enabled easier access around Sydney and contributed significantly to the urban and residental growth of Sydney in the period in between the two World Wars. Bradfield's designs for the Harbour Bridge and the railway systems connecting the city boosted the country's economy and in turn, provided a connection around and across one of Australia's most important cities. Bradfiel's actions shaped Australian society between the two wars because it was a focus for the optimistic forecast for a better future in the times after the First World War and in the Great Depression and World War 2. Bradfield's design of the Harbour Bridge was a new aspect to bridge building. This enabled people to be able to look beyond the hard times they were facing and it symbolised the ability to achieve things beyond what is expected. Bradfield had a few major setbacks with his design for the Bridge and his determination was an inspiration to people to keep going and overcome difficulties in life. The Bridges construction was the most expensive engineering feat in Australia's history. This was an extraordinary achievement as its construction ran through the severest part of the Great Depression Australia. Again due to Bradfield's determination on the project, Australian society was able to shape around a better future and the spirits of the Australian people lifted because they realised that times were going to get better. Without Bradfield's actions on the development of the Bridge and the Cityrail services, One of Australia's most important cities would not be the thriving industrial and residental area that it is today. The connection of the city via electrified railways and a bridge across the Harbour enabled many people to move to Sydney and the times between the Wars and through the Great Depression became easier for the society of Australia. Bradfield's design on the Bridge also provided an icon to the Australian people. Its illustrious design is instantly recognisable to the Australian people and people all over the world. It was a pivotal step in the development in Australia's society and it provided hope to Australia that the future was going to be a step forward not a step back. All of these roles in the shaping of Australian society in the interwar period are due to John Bradfield's significant contribution to the contruction of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney railway services.Through Bradfield's determination, inspiring nature and enthusiasm for the projects, one of Australia's most important nation icons and essential steps in the development of the country was born. His contribution, although not widely known, is recognised by many people. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is easily Bradfield's most significant work but through his entire career his ideas shaped the nation we have today.
Bibliography:
http://www.bridgeclimb.com/The-Bridge/Bradfield/
http://investigator.records.nsw.gov.au/Entity.aspx?Path=\Agency\1898
http://www.library.usyd.edu.au/libraries/rare/bridge/bridge.html
http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A070391b.htm
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