Grenadersky bridge, Bascule bridge in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Grenadersky Bridge spans the Neva River with a single-leaf bascule mechanism that lifts to allow maritime traffic through the waterway. The structure features an optimized opening system that reduces waiting time for vessels compared to conventional drawbridges.
Built in the early 1900s, the bridge received its name from the Imperial Russian Grenadier Regiments stationed in the surrounding area. The structure reflects the early 20th century period when Saint Petersburg modernized its crossing infrastructure to accommodate growing river traffic.
The bridge takes part in Saint Petersburg's traditional night bridge openings, a ritual that marks the navigation season from April to November.
The bridge opens at night to allow river traffic, with vessel operators needing to request passage in advance. Visitors should plan viewing around the navigation season from April to November, when regular openings occur and are visible from the riverbanks.
The bridge opens faster than many other bascule bridges due to its multi-step mechanism, making river crossings more efficient for ships. This engineering feature draws photographers and observers to the riverbanks each night when the passage occurs during the navigation season.
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