There are so many attractions in St. Petersburg that a visiting tourist just has his eyes widen. I want to see everything at once. Drawbridges always attract particular attention.
What are drawbridges for?
Neva is one of the rivers characterized by active shipping. It is deep and wide enough for the passage of ships engaged in the delivery of goods and passenger traffic. At the same time, the city cannot be divided into parts with a violation of transport infrastructure.
In order for land and waterways to function equally, drawbridges are being built. Most of the time they are used for their intended purpose - they allow you to travel from one part of the city to another. At certain times, according to the established schedule or pre-order, bridges are drawn - so that large ships can pass.
What is the design of the drawbridge?
The design of the drawbridge is based on the ability to move the center of gravity. The building is equipped with rotary spans and mechanisms that set them in motion. The load, which allows you to do the whole operation faster and more reliable, acts as a counterweight on the coastal sections. The counterweight not only helps dilution, but also keeps the entire structure in balance all the time while the spans of the bridge are open.
The counterweight also provides a smooth reduction of spans, which in a lowered state are fixed with a special lock. Previously, everything was driven manually first. Technologies improved, as well as enlarged designs. Today, the construction of bridges is automated, they are powered by an automation system and electric motors or hydraulic drives.
How many bridges are being drawn in St. Petersburg?
All bridges must be bred exclusively at night. Each of them has its own schedule, consistent with the rest. To date, 9 bridges are bred regularly every night. And 3 - only by request made in advance.
All wiring fits from 1 a.m. until almost 6 a.m. Accurate time information is posted on its official resource by a company that ensures the operation of all such facilities in the city.
Grenadier bridge in St. Petersburg
This design got its name in honor of the Grenadier Regiment, which was located in the barracks on the left-bank side of Bolshaya Nevka. During its existence, it was repeatedly rebuilt and changed its place of deployment, but all the time it remained the Grenadier Bridge.
A bridge with this name has its history since 1758. Initially, it was just a floating ferry, otherwise a pontoon. It was the fifth such construction in the city. Even then, the Grenadier Bridge had a section, which was withdrawn from the composition for the passage of ships.
The bridge repeatedly changed its location, as it was temporary. In 1905, it finally became more or less permanent. The Grenadier Bridge became a 12-span wooden structure. There was also a liftable span, which moved with the help of hand winches.
Almost 50 years later, the Grenadier Bridge was once again rebuilt. At the same time, the number of spans was increased by 6, and those that were turning, sheathed with metal sheets.
In the 70s of the last century, the design of the new Grenadier Bridge was commissioned by engineer Levina B. B. and architects Noskov L. A and Areshev P. A. At the same time, the design slightly changed its location, going downstream. The final version had 3 spans on reinforced concrete supports, of which only the middle one rose.
The remaining bridges are bred regularly, this action is captured by many locals and visitors. Such a photo of the Grenadier Bridge in St. Petersburg is a rarity, since its breeding is only necessary and infrequent.