Princes Bridge

Princes Bridge, formerly known as Prince's Bridge, is an iconic bridge in central Melbourne, Australia, that spans the Yarra River.

The site on which the bridge is built has a rich history, spanning back to one of the oldest river crossings in the city. As such, the bridge serves as a gateway into the central city from the south.

Princes Bridge has a long history, with the first wooden version of the bridge being constructed in 1844. Notably, the coat of arms on the bridge belongs to the municipal councils who contributed towards the cost of its construction.

The bridge carries a range of traffic, including motor vehicles, trams, buses and bicycles, but pedestrians make up the majority of traffic over the bridge. Visitors on foot can walk over the bridge in two ways, with many commuters parking at the Arts Centre and crossing into the CBD for work. Many travellers also use the bridge to access the Melbourne Arts Precinct located on the Southbank side.

Princes Bridge is an architectural masterpiece and an excellent surviving example of Arch Bridge design from the late 19th century. At 30 metres (99 ft) wide and 120 metres (400 ft) long, the bridge incorporates Harcourt granite squat half-columns resting on the bluestone piers which support the three iron girder arch spans. It has an elaborate balustrade along the top of the bridge, and lamp standards crowning each pier. Notably, the design of Princes Bridge is similar in style to the earlier Blackfriars Bridge over the River Thames in London.

Because of its strategic location, Princes Bridge has