“Why English?” people often ask about the English Bridge. This pedestrian bridge spans the Fontanka River. It links Pokrovsky and Anonymous Islands in Saint Petersburg.
Let’s delve into the story of the English Bridge. A five-span wooden bridge stood here since 1910. It handled traffic after the Egyptian Bridge collapsed in 1905. Imagine the chaos.
The modern English Bridge was built in 1962-1963. Architects Areshev and Vasilkovsky designed it. Engineer Kerlikov oversaw the project. This new bridge features three spans. It rests on ferroconcrete abutments. These are covered with granite. The metal railings have a simple design.
But why “English”? The English Bridge gets its name from the nearby English Prospekt. The Prospekt itself is named after the English Embankment. This embankment gained its name in the early 19th century.
The English Bridge has undergone repairs. In 2006, the flight structure was painted. The three-span overpass is 60.8 meters long. It is 5.5 meters wide. The bridge supports are faced with granite. The railings feature artistic casting.
So, as you cross the English Bridge think about its history. Remember the wooden bridge that came before. Consider the English Prospekt nearby. The English Bridge stands as a testament to Saint Petersburg’s layered past. A past where even a bridge carries a story.