First Elagin bridge, Bascule bridge in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The First Elagin Bridge spans the Srednyaya Nevka with multiple sections, including two navigation openings and one movable central span. The structure carries both vehicle and pedestrian traffic between the two islands and consists of metal construction.
The crossing was first built in 1817 as a pontoon structure and underwent several rebuilds until 1952, when it was replaced with a modern metal construction. This evolution reflects the changing transportation needs of Saint Petersburg.
The bridge links Elagin Island, home to the Central Culture and Leisure Park, with Stone Island, where locals and visitors cross to reach cultural venues. This connection shapes how people move between the two islands and access recreation spaces.
The bridge is open daily for vehicles and pedestrians but can close on demand to allow smaller vessels to pass through. Visitors should plan for possible delays if boat traffic occurs during their crossing.
The structure operates with a single-leaf mechanism to lift the central section and is one of the lesser-known engineering achievements of the city. This functional design often surprises visitors with its elegant simplicity compared to other famous bridges.
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