The Bolsheokhtinsky bridge is one of the largest engineering structures in the city, connecting the center of the northern capital with one of the most densely populated areas - Malaya Okhta.
The history of this bridge is very remarkable. The need for it arose in the second half of the XIX century, when it became necessary to connect the rapidly growing Okhtinsky district with the historical center of St. Petersburg. For a long time, design was frustrated due to the opposition of carriers who did not want to lose their income. However, in 1900 - at the same time as the construction of the Trinity Bridge - work began on the design of this engineering structure. They were headed by a wonderful engineer V. Bers.
The design of the bridge, which received the proud name of Peter the Great, was approved in 1907, and already in October 1911 it was inaugurated. The participants were truly amazed at the gigantic dimensions of the structure; the average adjustable span with a length of 48 meters caused particular delight.
Bolsheokhtinsky bridge had several towers, on top of which cubic lights were installed. On the walls of the towers, six bronze plaques with the names of builders marked on them were inaugurated. Both entrances to the bridge were made in the form of powerful portals, and unusual holders with polyhedron lights were installed on the racks.
The October Revolution of 1917 led to numerous changes in the state, and Peter the Great Bridge, which was almost immediately renamed "Bolsheokhtensky", did not escape this fate. Subsequently, in connection with amendments to the rules of the spelling of the Russian language, this building received the name under which it exists until now - the Bolsheokhtinsky bridge.
Even during the construction, architects and designers sought to make the bridge as strong and durable as possible, which they succeeded with brilliance. The high quality of construction has led to the fact that the first repairs to this engineering structure were required only in 1971, and it was put to major reconstruction in 1993. As a result of these works, almost all metal parts were replaced, and all three spans were covered with granite.
Throughout almost its entire history, the Bolsheokhtinsky bridge was one of the main tram arteries of the city, but in 2005 the tram traffic on it was stopped, and now it is intended only for pedestrians and vehicles.
From the bridge, which, after reconstruction, many began to call the name of the first Russian emperor, offers a beautiful view of the historical center of St. Petersburg and modern city buildings. In this place, as it were, the famous antiquity and the modern modernized rhythm of life meet, here you can best feel the memory of the past, the greatness of the present, the bright reflections of the future.
Created a little more than a hundred years ago, the Bolsheokhtinsky bridge today is an essential component of urban infrastructure, passing through itself daily tens of thousands of residents and guests of the city.