Across the Srednyaya Nevka River stands the 2nd Elagin Bridge. A marvel of engineering it connects Yelagin Island to Krestovsky Island. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a piece of Saint Petersburg’s history.
The 2nd Elagin Bridge wasn’t always the metal structure we see today. Its story begins much earlier. In 1821 a simple floating bridge connected these islands. It was a temporary solution. A much more substantial 11-span timber bridge replaced it in 1852. Imagine the creaks and groans of that old wooden bridge. Picture the manual winches laboriously raising its swing span.
The original bridge was made of timber. The roadway and railing were also timber. It stood on pile piers. The design was a twin-leaf bascule. It consisted of four timber frames.
But time marches on. World War II took its toll. By 1948-1950 the bridge needed a complete overhaul. Engineer V V Blazhevich stepped in. He replaced the aging timber spans with a modern welded metal structure. The new bridge is strong. It uses a single-leaf bascule span. The constant superstructure consists of four main beams interconnected by U-channels. An electric actuator raises this impressive span today.
The 2nd Elagin Bridge has seen more than just construction updates. In 1979 the bridge underwent repairs. Timber slabs were removed from the fixed spans. Sleepers and decking were laid. In 1990 further repairs occurred. More timber decking for pedestrians was laid.
In 2007 the St Petersburg Government planned a major reconstruction. They wanted to replace the drawbridge with a fixed bridge. The plan is still under consideration. For now the bridge continues its daily routine. On weekdays and by request it rises for passing vessels. It’s a testament to both engineering and adaptability. The 2nd Elagin Bridge. A silent witness to centuries of Saint Petersburg life.