Is this 2-й Парковый мост whispering secrets from the past? Let’s uncover them together. The 2-й Парковый мост, also known as the Second Engineer Bridge, gracefully arches over the Fontanka River. It’s more than just a crossing. It’s a tangible link to Saint Petersburg’s rich history. The bridge, as we see it today, wasn’t always metal. Originally built of wood in 1824, the 2-й Парковый мост has seen its share of transformations. Designed by P.P. Bazen, the initial wooden structure had three spans. It underwent repairs in 1955, led by architect A.L. Rotach. However, time and the elements took their toll. Years later, in 1993, the bridge was reborn. Engineer A.A. Zhurbin reimagined the 2-й Парковый мост, giving it the two-span metal arch structure we admire today. This reconstruction cleverly incorporated old metal I-beams, extended and joined with high-strength bolts. The abutments, too, reflect this blend of old and new: the right bank featuring a metal sheet pile wall, while the left bank rests on metal piles connected by a metal girder. Now a pedestrian bridge, the 2-й Парковый мост spans a modest 18.6 meters in length and 3 meters in width. As you stroll across, take a moment to appreciate the simple elegance of its metal railings. They frame the picturesque views of the Fontanka River and the surrounding cityscape. The 2-й Парковый мост is a quiet testament to Saint Petersburg’s resilience. It stands as a symbol of the city’s ability to adapt and evolve, while still honoring its past.
М. К. Прудников
Born into a peasant family in 1913, Mikhail Prudnikov’s journey began in a small village nestled within the Tomsk Governorate.