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 district with the historical center of St. Petersburg. For a long time, design was frustrated because of the opposition of carriers who did not want to lose their income. However, in 1900 - at the same time as the construction of the Troitsky Bridge - works on the design of this engineering structure began. The great engineer V.Bers headed them.

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

Bolsheokhtinsky bridge had several towers, on 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 unusual holders with lanterns-polyhedrons are installed on the racks.

The October Revolution of 1917 led to numerous changes in the state, and the Peter the Great 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 until now - the Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge.

Even during the construction, architects and 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 its history, the Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge was one of the main tramway arteries of the city, but in 2005 the tramway traffic was discontinued, and now it is intended only for pedestrians and road transport.

From the bridge, which after the reconstruction many began to be called 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 more than a hundred years ago, the Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge is nowadays an important part of the city infrastructure, letting in every day tens of thousands of residents and visitors of the city.