Across the Smolenka River, the Smolensk Bridge stands as a testament to time and transformation. The Smolensk Bridge connects Vasilyevsky Island and Dekabristov Island. It carries the legacy of not one, but two bridges. The first, a simple wooden structure, appeared in 1799. This original bridge bore witness to the growth of Saint Petersburg. It saw horse-drawn carriages replaced by trams and the steady march of progress along Vasilyevsky Island’s 16th and 17th lines. The wooden Smolensk Bridge served the city faithfully, undergoing numerous repairs and a significant reinforcement in 1930 to accommodate the tram lines. Metal I-beams replaced the aging timber girders. However, the core structure remained wood. Time and the elements eventually took their toll.
The river itself, the Smolenka, holds its own story. Once known as the Glukhaya (Deaf) River, and later as the Chornaya (Black) River, it finally took the name Smolenka. This name serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s builders, many of whom hailed from the Smolensk province. Their hard work and dedication shaped the very foundations of Saint Petersburg. The name also connects the river to the nearby Smolenskoe Cemetery and its historic church. Established to honor these workers, the cemetery became a landmark, and its name, tied to the Smolensk Icon of the Theotokos, eventually gave the river its current name. The Smolensk Bridge, therefore, stands not just as a crossing over water, but as a link to the city’s origins.
By the mid-20th century, the old wooden bridge had reached its limits. Between 1959 and 1961, the city embarked on a transformation. The old wooden structure gave way to a modern, single-span reinforced concrete arch bridge. This new Smolensk Bridge, designed by engineer A.D. Gutzeit and architect L.A. Noskov, reflects a blend of functionality and elegance. Its facades, faced with granite, stand as a subtle echo of the Krasnooktyabrsky Bridge across the Obvodny Canal. Artful cast-iron railings with granite tombs add a touch of somber beauty, while decorative lantern stands illuminate the approaches. The bridge carries four lanes of traffic, separated from pedestrian walkways by high granite parapets. In 2002, the tram lines, a reminder of the bridge’s past, were dismantled. This allowed for the restoration of the hydro insulation and asphalt concrete pavement, further securing the Smolensk Bridge’s place in the modern cityscape. The Smolensk Bridge, therefore, embodies the spirit of Saint Petersburg. It is a city where history and progress intertwine.