Spencer Street Bridge, C.1930

Spencer Street Bridge, C.1930

Spencer Street Bridge carries road and tram traffic over the Yarra River at the south western corner of the city, connecting Spencer Street to the north, with Clarendon Street in the south. 

This shot, taken by Wilfred D. Chapman just prior to the 1931 opening, looks from the south bank along the simple low profile lines of the new bridge. The building on the north bank (Flinders Street) is the Melbourne Corporation Building, housing the Fish Market. 

This shot also shows how the construction of the bridge enabled only the smallest of craft to travel this far up the river, bringing an end to the almost 100 year old history of the Queen Street wharves.

Plans for a bridge at this point had been discussed from mid 19th century. 

The design of the bridge was the result of a public competition, won by a consortium of Victorian based architects and engineers. 

The first pile was driven in October 1927.

The bridge reflected current engineering and design standards.  It is a reinforced concrete structure of balanced cantilever type, together with subdued Art Deco styling at street level, including the stylish lights at street level.

It was officially opened in February 1931