Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge of St. Petersburg: between the past and the future

Bolsheokhtinsky bridge is one of the most large-scale engineering structures of the city, connecting the center of the northern capital with one of the most densely populated areas - Malaya Okhta.

The history of this bridge is quite remarkable. The need for it arose in the second half of the XIX century, when it became necessary to connect the rapidly expanding Okhtinsky area with the historical center of St. Petersburg. For a long time, design was frustrated because of the resistance of carriers who did not want to lose their income. However, in 1900 - at the same time as the construction of the Troitsky Bridge - work began on the design of this engineering structure. It was headed by a remarkable engineer V.Bers.

The bridge project, which received the proud name of PeterGreat, was approved in 1907, and already in October 1911, he was in a solemn atmosphere opened. The present was struck by the truly gigantic dimensions of the structure, a particular delight was caused by an average spreading span with a length of 48 meters.

Bolsheokhtinsky bridge had several towers, onthe top of which were installed cubic lights. On the walls of the towers were solemnly opened six boards of bronze with the names of builders on them. Both entrances to the bridge were made in the form of powerful portals, and on the racks there are unusual holders with lanterns-polyhedrons.

The October Revolution of 1917 led tonumerous changes in the state, Peter the Great's bridge, which was almost immediately renamed Bolsheokhtensky, did not escape this fate. Subsequently, in connection with the introduction of changes in the rules of spelling of the Russian language, this structure received the name under which exists to the present time - Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge.

Even during the construction of the architectsand the designers tried to make the bridge as durable and durable as possible, which they succeeded in brilliantly. The high quality of construction led to the fact that the first repairs to this engineering structure were required only in 1971, and for a major reconstruction it was delivered in 1993. As a result of these works, almost all metal parts were replaced, and all three spans were covered with granite.

Throughout almost all of its historyBolsheokhtinsky bridge was one of the main tramway arteries of the city, however in 2005 the tramway traffic on it was stopped, and now it is intended only for pedestrians and motor transport.

From the bridge, which after the reconstruction of many steelcall the name of the first Russian emperor, a beautiful view of the historical center of St. Petersburg and modern urban buildings. In this place, as if meets the famous old and modern modernized rhythm of life, here you can best feel the memory of the past, the grandeur of the present, the bright glimpses of the future.

Created just over a hundred years ago,Bolsheokhtinsky bridge and today is an important part of the city infrastructure, passing through itself tens of thousands of residents and visitors every day.