Geslerovsky Bridge

Nestled between Aptekarsky and Petrogradsky Islands, the Geslerovsky Bridge gracefully arches over the Karpovka River. This unassuming bridge holds a fascinating story, intertwined with the history of Saint Petersburg. The Geslerovsky Bridge, younger than the Silin Bridge by 111 years, has remarkably retained its name. Even the renaming of Geslerovsky Prospect, from which the bridge derives its name, didn’t alter the bridge’s identity. This name, Geslerovsky, honors Ivan Fyodorovich Gesler, a wardrobe master for Paul I. Gesler owned land and several houses near the bridge’s location, including the area around Zelenina Streets. A nearby Geslerovsky Garden further cemented his connection to this area. The current Geslerovsky Bridge, a reinforced concrete structure built in 1965, replaced a wooden three-span beam bridge from 1887. This original bridge, low and narrow, underwent numerous repairs and rebuilds. By 1940, it measured 30.1 meters long and 13.5 meters wide. The modern Geslerovsky Bridge, designed by engineer P.P. Ryazantsev and architect L.A. Noskov, spans 22.2 meters in length and 27 meters in width. Its single-span design and reinforced concrete frame, composed of prefabricated elements, stand in stark contrast to its wooden predecessor. Massive concrete abutments, faced with granite, anchor the bridge, while decorative cast-iron railings provide a touch of elegance. Asphalt covers the roadway, while sand asphalt paves the sidewalks. Granite kerbstones separate the roadway, and granite stair descents enhance the bridge’s approaches. The Geslerovsky Bridge stands as a testament to Saint Petersburg’s evolving landscape, a blend of historical legacy and modern engineering. Constructed by SU-3 of Trust Lenmostostroy, under the guidance of engineer K.V. Uchaev and foreman I.E. Livshits, the Geslerovsky Bridge serves as a vital link between two islands. It whispers tales of a bygone era, while efficiently carrying the flow of modern life.