Trinity Bridge, Steel bascule bridge in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Trinity Bridge is a steel bascule bridge spanning the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, measuring 582 meters long and nearly 24 meters wide. The structure consists of several arches resting on masonry piers, while the central movable span of 80 meters divides and swings upward.
The French construction firm Société de Construction des Batignolles built the bridge between 1897 and 1903 to mark the 200th anniversary of the city's founding. The work proceeded in parallel with the construction of Pont Alexandre III in Paris, reflecting the diplomatic ties between France and Russia at that time.
The name comes from the adjacent Trinity Square and the bridge connects the northern Petrograd Side with the historic city center across the river. The cast iron gratings display intricate patterns that are illuminated at night by decorative lanterns on the granite pylons.
The central span opens regularly during the navigation season between April and November, usually in the late night hours, to allow tall vessels passage. Pedestrians and vehicles can cross the bridge at any time when it is closed, with wide sidewalks on both sides.
Soviet pilot Valery Chkalov performed an unauthorized flight under the bridge during the 1930s, later inspiring a song by Boris Grebenshchikov. The maneuver was considered a daring demonstration of flying skill and became part of the city's folklore.
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