The North Bridge in Voronezh was erected in 1986, just in time for the 400th anniversary of the city. This bridge is the last one built here today. The history of the North Bridge in Voronezh is full of various events, despite the young age of the structure. More details about this structure will be discussed in this article.
Construction history
The construction of the North Bridge began in the 80s of the last century. According to the plans of the city’s architects, it was calculated that the bridge would allow more intensive development of rail communication in the city. By the way, the question of building a metro in Voronezh was already raised at that time. Of course, this was necessary in order to facilitate communication between the Zheleznodorozhny and Central districts of the city.
The length of the North Bridge in Voronezh reaches 1,800 meters, and the structure itself was built of reinforced concrete. The construction costs turned out to be very significant - more than 20 million rubles, which at a price of 1986 is a lot of money. However, despite such enormous expenses, the bridge paid off. The result was a highly functional and even original structure that significantly improved transport links in the city.
Bridge description
The north bridge in Voronezh is two-level. On the upper level are tram rails, as well as footpaths. On the lower - there are also paths for pedestrians, but they are less there. An interesting fact is that the bridge levels were not commissioned at the same time. First, tram service began here, and then by car.
The upper tier began its work in 1985, and the lower - a year later. The north bridge in Voronezh connected two urban areas - Central and Railway. This greatly improved the situation with car and tram services. An interchange was built on the right side of the North Bridge, which facilitated convenient movement and the possibility of choosing different directions. All the advantages were appreciated by the residents of the city.
The history of the bridge at the end of the 20th century
At various times, trams of several routes ran along the upper tier of the North Bridge in Voronezh. However, the bridge was not used at full capacity. This was connected not with the miscalculations of architects and not with the building itself, but with the historical period.
In those years, Gorbachev's "perestroika" began, which not only did not correct economic reality, but worsened it. Due to the difficult financing situation, it was not possible to implement the entire project. It was planned to build a second automobile flyover, which would significantly improve communication with the Comintern district. However, due to lack of funds, and also because the issue of the demolition of the private sector, which prevented the construction of the last segment of the bridge, was not resolved, the project was not completed in the 20th century.
The people because of the incompleteness of the project, the bridge was nicknamed the road to nowhere. However, in 2003, it was still possible to complete the construction completely, and the bridge was fully operational.
21st Century Bridge
During operation, the bridge partially became worthless; urgent repairs were required in some areas. A survey in 2013 revealed a number of problems that needed to be addressed. Moreover, cases of the fall of small reinforced concrete elements from the upper tier to the lower tier became more frequent.
The repair issue has been partially resolved, but it is local in nature, not capital. Large-scale reconstruction and restoration requires large funds, which, as always, are not enough. Despite financial difficulties, repair of the North Bridge in Voronezh is urgently needed. The city administration announces a project that will not only restore the facility, but also significantly upgrade it.
To date, tram service on the upper tier has been discontinued. Walking paths gradually also fell into disrepair, and today they rarely meet crowds of people hurrying about their business.
Despite everything said, in the photo of the North Bridge in Voronezh you can see what a huge and magnificent structure that connected parts of the city through the reservoir. Today, this beautiful architectural and technological masterpiece stands in anticipation of a rebirth in order to then, as before, serve people.