Big Krestovsky Bridge

Can you imagine a bridge so essential it carries not just cars and trams, but also the weight of history? Here, before us stands the Big Krestovsky Bridge. It’s a gateway to Krestovsky Island. This bridge is far more than just steel and concrete. The Big Krestovsky Bridge links Krestovsky Island with Petrogradskaya Side. Its history spans back to 1850 when the first bridge was built here. By 1928, an 11-span wooden bridge on timber supports stood in its place, with a central draw span operated by manual winches. Imagine the creaking wood and the grunting effort required to raise the bridge for passing ships. By 1946, this old wooden bridge had become dilapidated. Its central draw span was no longer functional. The entire structure was in dire need of repair. The city recognized the importance of this crossing. It was a vital artery to the parks, stadiums, and recreational areas on Krestovsky Island. Between 1949 and 1951, the Big Krestovsky Bridge underwent a transformation. The old wooden structure was replaced with a sleek, five-span metal bridge. The central draw span, a marvel of engineering, was designed with a twin-leaf bascule system. It had a fixed axis of rotation and counterweights. This was the first major bridge built in Leningrad after the devastation of World War II. The Big Krestovsky Bridge became a symbol of the city’s resilience and its forward-looking spirit. The bridge is 149.4 meters long and 25.5 meters wide. It accommodates not only vehicles but also trams and pedestrians. While it’s a drawbridge, the central span isn’t raised frequently. Only a few times a year, by special request, does this sleeping giant awaken. As you stand here today, on this bridge that has witnessed so much change, take a moment to appreciate its strength and its story. The Big Krestovsky Bridge continues to connect not just two pieces of land, but also the past with the present.