<P> On 19 January 1932, the first test train, a steam locomotive, safely crossed the bridge . Load testing of the bridge took place in February 1932, with the four rail tracks being loaded with as many as 96 steam locomotives positioned end - to - end . The bridge underwent testing for three weeks, after which it was declared safe and ready to be opened . The construction worksheds were demolished after the bridge was completed, and the land that they were on is now occupied by Luna Park . </P> <P> The standards of industrial safety during construction were poor by today's standards . Sixteen workers died during construction, but surprisingly only two from falling off the bridge . Several more were injured from unsafe working practices undertaken whilst heating and inserting its rivets, and the deafness experienced by many of the workers in later years was blamed on the project . Henri Mallard between 1930 and 1932 produced hundreds of stills and film footage which reveal at close quarters the bravery of the workers in tough Depression - era conditions . </P> <P> The total financial cost of the bridge was AU £ 6.25 million, which was not paid off in full until 1988 . </P> <P> The bridge was formally opened on Saturday, 19 March 1932 . Amongst those who attended and gave speeches were the state Governor, Sir Philip Game, and the Minister for Public Works, Lawrence Ennis . The Labor Premier of New South Wales, Jack Lang, was to open the bridge by cutting a ribbon at its southern end . </P>

When was the sydney harbour bridge paid off