“Did you know that a French company almost didn’t build this bridge?” I am talking about the Trinity Bridge. It stands majestically across the Neva River here in Saint Petersburg. The Trinity Bridge connects Kamennoostrovsky Prospect and Suvorov Square.
The Trinity Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a landmark with a rich history. Its construction tells a tale of international collaboration. It also tells of political intrigue.
Back in 1892, a contest was held to design a permanent bridge. It attracted entries from engineers across Russia and Europe. Even Gustave Eiffel, creator of the Eiffel Tower, submitted a design. Eiffel won the competition. He received a princely prize of 6000 roubles. However, his design was ignored. Another French company, the Batignolles Building Company, was chosen.
Construction of the Trinity Bridge began on August 12, 1897. Emperor Nicholas II and French President Félix Faure attended the ceremony. It symbolized the Franco-Russian Alliance. Nicholas II laid the foundation stone for the Pont Alexandre III in Paris. This was another memorial to the alliance.
The Trinity Bridge was finally completed in 1903. This coincided with Saint Petersburg’s 200th anniversary. However, the construction faced delays due to technical problems.
Originally, the Trinity Bridge had nine spans. Five were permanent metallic spans. They featured a novel console-arch-beam system. A three-arch granite viaduct linked the central section to the right bank. A two-winged bascule span joined it to the left bank. The bridge is decorated with cast iron gratings. These have artistic casting. Granite pylons with lanterns adorn it. Metallic three-color lanterns add to the Art Nouveau style.
The Trinity Bridge has had different names. It was named after the Old Trinity Cathedral. The cathedral stood at its northern end. In the 20th century, it was known as Equality Bridge. Later, it was named Kirovsky Bridge. The original name was restored in 1999.
In 1965, the Trinity Bridge underwent reconstruction. Soviet engineers modernized it. They installed a new lifting mechanism. The double span system was changed to a single one. The bridge reopened in 1967.
Local legend says Valery Chkalov flew his plane under the Trinity Bridge in the 1930s. There is no documentary proof. Yet, his wife confirmed it. In 1940, Evgeny Borisenko repeated this feat. It was during the filming of Valery Chkalov.
Until 1965, the Trinity Bridge was the longest bridge in the city. It measured 582 meters. The Alexander Nevsky Bridge is longer. It measures 905 meters.
So, as you stand here, remember the Trinity Bridge. It is a symbol of Franco-Russian collaboration. It is a testament to engineering. It is a landmark. It is full of history and legends.