What is the Bolte Bridge in Melbourne?
The Bolte Bridge is a large cantilever road bridge in Melbourne's Docklands, recognisable by its two tall silver towers. Opened in 1999, it carries the CityLink tollway over the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour.
The bridge is named after Sir Henry Bolte, the long-serving Premier of Victoria from 1955 to 1972. It was built as part of the CityLink project, which connected Melbourne's major freeways.
Its two 140-metre towers stand on either side of the road but are not structural: they do not hold up the bridge. They were designed as a landmark gateway to the city, which drew some criticism at the time.
A city landmark
The towers are lit at night and are visible from many parts of Melbourne. The bridge appears in many photographs of the Docklands skyline.
The bridge carries tens of thousands of vehicles each day, and its main span is about 173 metres. Like other CityLink roads, it uses electronic tolling, so drivers need an e-tag or pass.
The bridge's design was by architects Denton Corker Marshall, who also designed the Melbourne Museum and other major Melbourne buildings.
Did You Know?
The Bolte Bridge is part of a route that leads drivers directly into Melbourne's Docklands and CBD.