Bridges History of Lake Burley Griffin

commonwealth avenue bridge

lake burley griffin crossed commonwealth avenue bridge (310 m), kings avenue bridge (270 m) , roadway on scrivener dam. 2 bridges constructed before lake filled, , replaced wooden structures. designed allow passage of recreational sailing boats tall masts.

site testing both commonwealth avenue , kings avenue bridges took place during late 1959 1960. construction of kings avenue bridge began in 1960, followed commonwealth avenue bridge year after. luckily builders, canberra in drought , ground remained dry during construction.

both bridges made of concrete , steel , dual-carriageway; commonwealth avenue has 3 lanes in each direction while kings avenue has two.

kings avenue bridge opened on 10 march 1962. prime minister menzies unlocked ceremonial change before motorcade , pageant crossed lake in front of large crowd. commonwealth avenue bridge opened in 1963 without official ceremony. menzies called finest building in national capital .