Wonder how many feet have crossed this very spot. The Ippodromny Bridge stands before us. This pedestrian bridge has a story etched into its metal frame. Let’s delve into the history of the Ippodromny Bridge.
The Ippodromny Bridge stretches over the Obvodny Canal. It connects the Bezimyanny Island and the left bank. Its location is near the Pod’yezdnoy Pereulok. Borovoy Bridge is upstream. The Tsarskoselsky railway bridge sits downstream. The nearest metro stations are Obvodny Canal and Pushkinskaya.
Originally, this crossing was named Ruzovsky Bridge. That was back in 1910. It was also known as the Bulvarny Bridge. This name came from its proximity to the canal embankment.
The current name Ippodromny Bridge was given in 1944. It got its name from the nearby Semenovsky Square. During the blockade, this area housed a depot.
The first bridge here was a wooden one. It had three spans. Constructed in 1900, it served until 1904. The bridge needed constant repairs due to the wood’s deterioration. A pedestrian bridge replaced it in 1944.
The existing Ippodromny Bridge was built between 1985 and 1986. Engineers V. I. Feldmann and A. P. Petrov designed it with architect 3. G. Artemyev. The assembly was completed using two cranes within three hours.
The Ippodromny Bridge is a single span. It is made of metal and of the arch type. Its supports are made of reinforced concrete. The bridge’s length is 32.3 meters. The width is 3.3 meters.
Heating pipes and utilities run between the main girders. The roadway is paved with asphalt concrete. The metal railings feature a simple design. Granite curbs finish them.
Originally, four metal lamps illuminated the bridge. However, they were removed in 2004.
The Ippodromny Bridge stands as a testament to both function and resilience. From its wooden predecessor to its current steel form, it has faithfully served the people of St. Petersburg. Its story reflects the city’s own journey. It shows a city of constant change and enduring spirit.