Liteyny Bridge, Metal bridge across the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The Liteyny Bridge stretches over 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) and connects Liteyny Prospekt with Akademika Lebedeva Street across the Neva River. The structure has six sections, with the central part built as a bascule span that opens to let ships pass through.
Work started in 1875 and continued until 1879, making this crossing the second permanent span over the Neva after the Blagoveshchensky Bridge. The new link opened fresh routes between neighborhoods and eased movement across the river considerably.
Cast iron railings along the crossing show mermaids holding the city coat of arms, pointing to the long connection between the metropolis and seafaring. These figures stand like guardians over the river and recall how the city has always turned its face toward the water.
The crossing links two main traffic routes and remains open for pedestrians and road users throughout the day. During the early morning hours between roughly 1:40 AM and 4:45 AM, the central section raises to allow cargo ships through.
In 1879 this crossing became the first in the city to receive electric lighting based on the Yablochkov candle technology. Such innovations made evening crossings safer and drew many onlookers who marveled at the bright glow.
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