“Humpback” bridge. That’s one of the nicknames for the Kronverksky Bridge due to its steep curve. The curve was designed to allow boats to pass underneath. Now, let’s delve into the story of this bridge.
The Kronverksky Bridge graces St. Petersburg. It crosses the Kronverksky Strait. This bridge links Hare Island and Petrogradsky Island. Upstream, you will find the Ioannovsky Bridge. The nearest metro station is Gorkovskaya.
This bridge got its name from the Kronverksky Strait. Its construction dates back to 1938. Engineer P. P. Stepnov designed the bridge. Originally, a metal roof covered only the navigable span.
In 1978, the Lenmosttrest repair department renovated the Kronverksky Bridge. They covered all spans with metal beams. The wooden flooring was divided into sidewalks and roadways.
The Kronverksky Bridge is an object of historical and cultural heritage. This was decreed by the Government of the Russian Federation in 2001. In 2015, the bridge was declared an emergency. Decay affected 79% of its elements. Repairs were completed by June 2016.
The bridge supports are wooden frames on a pile base. Each support contains two rows of six piles. The superstructure consists of metal beams. The railing is made of wood.
The Kronverksky Bridge stretches 57.5 meters in length. Its width between the railings is 8.8 meters.
The bridge’s construction was essential. It was built to improve the area along the Kronversky Strait and part of Mytninskaya Embankment. In the 1930s, the Garden of Gosnardom and “American mountains” stood there. Sadly, they burned during the bombing of Leningrad in autumn 1941. The bridge facilitated car and pedestrian traffic to the Peter-and-Paul Fortress.
Initially, it was a wooden bridge with a nine-span structure. The superstructure was wooden. A metal beam covered the central span. Wooden piles formed the abutments and intermediate supports. The bridge measured 57.5 meters long and 8.8 meters wide. Wooden fencing lined the bridge.
In 1976, the bridge’s load capacity was limited to six tons. This was due to its poor condition. The 1977 renovation replaced the wooden superstructure with a metal one. Cross beams and wooden decking were added. Wooden railings were installed. The wooden abutments and supports were also repaired.
So, as you cross the Kronverksky Bridge, remember its history. Think of the engineers and workers who built and rebuilt it. Consider its cultural significance. The Kronverksky Bridge stands as a testament to St. Petersburg’s enduring spirit.