Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lieutenant Shmidt Bridge

The Lieutenant Shmidt Bridge (Russian: Мост Лейте́нанта Шми́дта) is the first permanent bridge across the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It connects Vasilievsky Island and the central part of the city (Admiralteysky Island). The bridge's length is 331 meters and the width is 24 meters. The bridge serves as a border between the Neva River and beginning of the Gulf of Finland.

In 1727 a temporary bridge was built at the location of the modern Lieutenant Shmidt Bridge. The place was chosen by Menshikov whose palace is located at the opposite bank. This bridge, named Issakievsky, existed until the current bridge was built, at which time it was moved to the location of where Palace Bridge is located today.

The bridge was built in 1843-1850. It was designed by Stanisław Kierbedź, a Polish engineer working in Russia . The architect Alexander Brullov participated in the decoration. The construction was a cast iron bridge with a bascule section. At the time, it was the longest bridge in Europe. According to the legend, the Russian Tzar, Nicholas I promised to Kierbedź to give him a promotion for every completed flight. After the bridge was completed with eight flights total in it, Kierbedź was promoted to the rank of General, but actually when he started the construction he already had a rank of Podpolkovnik (i.e. lieutenant colonel).

The bridge was formally opened on November 12, 1850. Since it was close to Blagoveshchenskaya (Annunciation) Square, it was called Blagoveshchensky Bridge. In 1855 it was renamed Nikolayevsky Bridge in memory of Emperor Nicholas I. In 1918, after the revolution, it was renamed again, this time in memory of Pyotr Schmidt, a leader of the Sevastopol Uprising during the Russian Revolution of 1905.

[edit] 2006 reconstruction

In 2006 the reconstruction of the bridge has began. For that purpose constructing of temporary bridge near the Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge has began in September of 2005. It was opened on 9 May 2006. Now, in the time of reconstruction, transport and pedestrian move across the temporary bridge. The movings on Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge has been closed, and dismantling of spans, and then, of bearings of the bridge has began. After two-year repair its width will be 37m.