What is the name of the bridge to the Russian island. The bridge to the Russian was called a "useless structure for $ 1 billion

Africa

On the Far East this spring, the construction of one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the world was completed. The new bridge passes through the Eastern Bosporus Strait and connects the mainland with Russky Island. In April 2012, the builders completed the welding of the 1104-meter channel span.

The project of the bridge to Russky Island

This is the first bridge of this size and similar design in Russia. It can rightly be called a unique achievement of Russian engineers, as the bridge became a record holder in several respects at once: the longest cable-stayed span in the world (1104 m), the longest stay cables (580 m). In addition, it ranked second in the world in height, its pylons reach a height of 320 m. The total length of the structure is 3100 m, and the height of the main canvas is 70 m above the ground, which allows even the most bulky ocean liners to pass under it.

History reference

The authorities of the USSR were going to build a bridge that would connect Russky Island with the mainland in the first half of the 20th century. This was first discussed in 1939, when the first draft of the bridge was proposed. But then, because of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the matter never came to fruition. Later, in the 1960s, a second attempt was made, but the second project was never implemented.

However, what was not done then was finally realized in the 21st century. In 2007, a tender was held to develop a project for a modern bridge to Russky Island, which was won by NPO Mostovik.

Together with the largest design organization in Russia, CJSC Institute Giprostroymost St. Petersburg, the production association began development. Several small Russian and foreign scientific companies also worked on the project, including: Cowi A / S (Denmark), Primortisiz, Primorgrazhdanproekt, NPO Hydrotex, Far Eastern Research Institute Morflota and some others.

During the development of the project, the experts considered more than 10 very different options, among which were projects of both classical suspension and cable-stayed bridges. As a result, preference was given to the construction of a cable-stayed bridge. The design was completed in March 2008 and cost the state 643 million rubles.

The construction of a cable-stayed bridge across the East Bosporus Strait to Russky Island started on September 3, 2008 as part of preparations for the APEC international summit to be held in Vladivostok in 2012. The building was completed in the spring of 2012.

On June 22, 2012, full-scale dynamic tests of the structure were completed, which confirmed its reliability and full readiness for operation.

The construction of the bridge proceeded in rather difficult conditions. The work was complicated by unfavorable temperature conditions and strong winds. Temperature fluctuations in Vladivostok can range from -31°С to +36°С, the height of a storm wave can reach 6 m, and the thickness of the ice cover is 70 cm.

In total, for almost 4 years, which lasted for construction, 33.9 billion rubles of budget money were spent on the implementation of this project. But it was worth it.

Technical parameters of the project

Bridge parameters

The design of the bridge across the eastern Bosphorus was developed by engineers, taking into account two determining factors:

The shortest distance along the water area at the intersection of the bridge is 1460 meters, and the depth of the fairway reaches 50 meters.
Strong wind load in the construction area, as well as a wide range of temperature differences.

The main technical parameters of the new bridge across the Eastern Bosphorus:

The length of the central span is 1104 meters;
The shortest guy is 135.771 meters;
The longest guy is 579.83 meters;
The height of the pylons is 320.9 meters;
The height of the bridge space is 70 meters.
The total length of the bridge crossing is 1885.53 meters;
The total length of the bridge with overpasses is 3100 meters;
4 traffic lanes (2 in each direction);
The total width of the carriageway is 21 meters.

I would like to note that this is a really grandiose project. For example, for the construction of the anchor spans of the bridge to a height of seventy meters, more than 21,000 cubic meters of concrete mixture were supplied, and the total amount of reinforcement of the side spans amounted to about 10,000 tons.

Features of the construction of pylons

In order for the bridge to be strong and reliable, 120 bored piles were installed under each of the two 320-meter pylons. Concreting of the pylons was carried out using a unique self-climbing formwork in 4.5 m clamps. According to the engineers, a crane was used for the first three clamps, then the formwork moved up independently thanks to the hydraulic movement of special modular elements.

At the base of each pylon - 120 bored piles with a diameter of two meters

It should be noted that the technology with the use of self-elevating formwork allowed not only to improve the quality of construction work, but also reduced the construction time of the bridge by 1.5 times. Since the pylons of the bridge are A-shaped, the use of standard formwork was not possible. As a result, a separate set was specially assembled for each pylon.

The construction of the foundation for the M7 pylon was carried out without a bulk platform. All drilling operations were carried out in deep water. It should be noted that the depth of the water area in this area is from 14 to 20 m. Steel casing pipes were submerged under water using a special floating crane. After the construction of bored piles, the foundation of the pylon was strengthened with a grouting layer of concrete up to 2.5 m thick.

Approximately 20,000 cubic meters of concrete and about 3,000 tons of metal structures were required for the construction of each pylon grillage.

Everything was done in strict accordance with the technology to ensure the strength and stability of the pylons.

Construction of a cable-stayed bridge system

The cable-stayed system is, without exaggeration, the basis of the bridge. It is she who takes on the main static and dynamic loads; without it, the existence of the bridge is simply not possible. In order for the bridge to be strong, the guys must be protected as much as possible from the effects of natural elements and other adverse factors.

The massive structure of the bridge across the East Bosvor Strait is supported by 168 stay cables ranging in length from 135 to 579 m.

During the construction of the bridge, cables made by the French company Freyssinet were used. According to the manufacturers, all shrouds were manufactured at factories that passed the strictest selection and were approved by Freyssinet specialists.

They have the highest indicators of endurance, strength, corrosion resistance, which, according to experts, ensured an estimated service life of at least 100 years. The structure is capable of withstanding a tensile load of 1850 MPa.

An improved “compact” PSS system was used to fix the central span of the bridge structure, which has a denser arrangement of strands in the shell. Due to the fact that the compact configuration of the cables has a shell of a smaller diameter, it was possible to reduce the wind load on the bridge by 25-30%. In addition, this technology made it possible to reduce the cost of materials for the construction of foundations, stiffening beams and pylons by a third.

The shrouds consist of parallel, individually protected against corrosion strands, the number of which varies from 13 to 85

On how strong the protective sheath of the cable will be, its strength depends. For the new bridge, a high-density polyethylene sheath was used, which has the following extremely important properties:

temperature resistance from -40°С to +40°С;
resistance to the negative effects of solar ultraviolet rays.

The PSS cables contain parallel strands with a diameter of 15.7 mm, each of which includes 7 galvanized wires. In total, each guy has from 13 to 85 strands (strands).

In addition, the installed shrouds have a vibration damping system that allows them to stabilize the structure in strong winds.

The cables were fastened to the pylons after the foundation was strengthened and was carried out at a height of 189 m. Modern technology was also used here, which made it possible to significantly speed up the construction - the pylon body was concreted and the cable pairs were installed simultaneously.

Installation of the central span

In the world of everything this moment there are only three cable-stayed bridges with a span of more than 1000 meters. In addition to the Far East Bridge, this list also includes: the Sutong Bridge in China (span length 1080 m) and the Stone Cutters Bridge in Hong Kong (1018 m).

The bridge to Russky Island, thanks to the world's longest cable-stayed span of 1104 meters, has already become a record holder and entered the history of world bridge building. Of course, it was quite difficult to do this, since a strong wind in this area exerts a large load on the frame and the span itself. Engineers managed to develop a special design of the superstructure with a special aerodynamic section, which allows to reduce the load from squally wind.

The central stiffening beam is a single, all-metal box with an upper and lower plate, as well as a system of transverse beams and diaphragms. It should be noted that the total weight of the structure of the central bridge span was about 23 thousand tons.

In order to determine the optimal configuration of the section, additional aerodynamic calculations were carried out at the detailed design stage, which were then optimized as part of the processing of a large-scale experimental model.

The installation of the central span required precision and quality from the builders. High-strength assembly joints were used for joining the vertical walls of the blocks, transverse beams, longitudinal ribs and diaphragms.

The panels were delivered to the installation site by barges and then lifted by a crane to a height of 70 meters.

The large-scale sections required for the installation of the central span of the bridge were delivered to the assembly site on barges and then lifted by a tower crane to a height of 76 meters, where the multi-ton elements were connected to each other and the guys were attached to them.

Among the record holders, but not the main winner

Our bridge rightfully topped the list of cable-stayed bridges with the longest cable-stayed span. Russian specialists have managed to build an impressive structure, but we have not yet succeeded in becoming a leader in length and height among bridges of a similar type.

The longest cable-stayed bridge in the world is still in China. The length of the bridge across the Hangzhou Bay in the East China Sea is about 36 km, which is almost 18 times longer than the new Far East Bridge. Its construction cost China $1.4 billion.

Most long bridge in the world Hangzhou Bay

This bridge connects Shanghai and small town Ningbo in Zhejiang province. It was built for almost 4 years, traffic on it was opened on May 1, 2008. The bridge is quite wide, 6 lanes, 3 in each direction.

The bridge is located in an area with difficult climatic conditions, there are often typhoons, storms and squally winds. Because of this, the structure of the bridge was specially reinforced and a special composition of concrete and steel was used for construction, which is resistant to typhoons.

Hangzhou Bridge has a special shape: it is built in the shape of the letter "S". As the main reason for choosing such an unusual design, engineers cite the desire to make the bridge as resistant to strong tidal waves as possible.

The highest cable-stayed bridge in the world is the Millau Viaduct Bridge, which is built at a height of 270 meters. This amazingly beautiful building is located in the south of France and connects Paris with Barcelona, passing through a wide gorge above the Tarn River.

The Millau Viaduct (le Viaduc de Millau) is a cable-stayed road bridge crossing the Tarn River valley near the city of Millau in southern France.

The Millau Viaduct bridge was opened to cars in December 2004, and its construction cost private investors almost 400 million euros.

The bridge has 7 cable-stayed columns, which are located at a distance of 350 meters from each other. The height of the structure (the highest support) is 343 meters, and the length is almost 2.5 kilometers.

Conclusion

The President, in one of his interviews, called the bridge to Russky Island "a new symbol of Russia." It's hard to disagree with him. Our engineers have much to be proud of. The new cable-stayed bridge built in Vladivostok is not just a modern engineering structure, this is a large-scale achievement of domestic scientists and builders.

Having built this bridge, Russia actually proved to the entire world community that it can independently implement large and complex projects from an engineering point of view. After all, all stages of the project, from the design stage to construction, were completely carried out by Russian specialists.

The commissioning of this bridge is also important from an economic and social point of view. Since it opens up new opportunities for the development of both Vladivostok and the entire Far East region.

I would like to hope that this is not the last project of this magnitude for Russia.

Anna Belova, rmnt.ru

August 1, 2012 there was a significant event in the history of the Far East region of our country. On this day, the Russian Bridge (Vladivostok) was put into operation, the photo of which immediately graced the pages of leading domestic and foreign publications. And this did not surprise anyone, since long before the opening ceremony, many world media called the construction of this structure one of the most ambitious projects of the 21st century.

Story

It was decided to open the Russian bridge to traffic by the time the APEC Summit began, which was supposed to take place on island of the same name. The construction of the facility began in the second half of 2008 and took four years to complete. However, the idea of building an object arose many decades before, and more than once. During the 20th century, two projects were developed with an interval of almost 25 years, but neither of the presented developments proved to be viable.

In 2007, new options were proposed. Among the 10 architectural and engineering works presented by the leading design bureaus of our country, experts singled out the original design of a cable-stayed bridge, although the possibility of erecting a suspension bridge was previously considered.

Foreign specialists and the best Russian engineering organizations actively participated in the work on the project.

USK Most became the general contractor for the construction, and the total amount of the contract amounted to 32.2 billion rubles. As for the supervision of the project, it was entrusted to V. Kurepin.

The new bridge was built at an accelerated pace simultaneously from the mainland side and from the coast of the island. Two teams of builders were moving towards each other, which met on April 12, 2012.

A month after the opening, the object received the official name - Russian Bridge. Vladivostok has acquired a new attraction, which today is considered the main architectural symbol of the city.

architectural features

Thanks to a span of 1104 m, the Russian Bridge is the pride and the largest object among similar ones in the world. The whole structure rests on the guys, which are strong cables. They are fixed on poles - pylons with the help of fasteners. The height of the Russian bridge in Vladivostok is 321 m, the distance between the vaults and the water surface is 70 m. This circumstance allows heavy ships to freely ply under it.

The load on the pylons of the Russian Bridge is evenly distributed. For the construction of each of the pillars, 9,000 cubic meters of high-quality concrete were used. One pylon could accommodate a residential microdistrict, and there are two such supports near the bridge.

The Russian Bridge is 1,885.5 meters long and weighs 23,000 tons. equals 24 meters (four lanes).

Bridge maintenance

The state of the structure is constantly monitored by a team of technicians and meteorologists. The specialists serving the bridge climb to a height of 300 meters along the stairs arranged inside each pylon. Occasionally, these premises are allowed to visit journalists and professional photographers. Bridge weather, wind direction, visibility, waves sea waves monitored for timely action.

An observation deck is equipped at the congress. It offers an amazing view of the endless Pacific expanse.

Construction features

Many experts call the Russian Bridge unique, and not only because of its length. The very construction of such a structure in the climate of Primorye can be considered unusual. High humidity, frequent squally winds, significant temperature fluctuations created big problems and forced architects and engineers to look for extraordinary solutions. for the Russian Bridge was developed by French scientists who proposed the use of a special steel composition with a long service life (up to 100 years), at temperatures from -40 ºС in winter to +40 ºС in summer. In addition, the design was created taking into account the requirement of increased aerodynamic stability.

The value of the structure

The Russian Bridge plays an important role in the life of Vladivostok. It is of great economic and political importance, and also provides road links between the mainland and the island parts of the city. At the same time, those traveling to Russky Island should remember that military bases have been located there for more than a century, and you can accidentally get into the territory, the entrance to which is prohibited for the inhabitants.

The administration of the region plans in the near future to place modern manufacturing enterprises, hotels, sports facilities, museums and attractions, residential neighborhoods and educational centers on Russky Island. Thus, with the commissioning of the bridge, broad prospects for investment in new housing construction and the creation of infrastructure facilities have opened up. It has also become the main highway for FEFU students to get to their new campus on Russky Island. At the moment, hostels are already operating there, in which up to 11,000 students can simultaneously live. In addition, there are several academic buildings, a high-rise Student Center building, and many sports facilities on the campus.

Directions

Unfortunately, you won't be able to walk across the bridge. It is intended only for the movement of public and private vehicles, and today it is considered the fastest and most convenient road from the main part of the city of Vladivostok to the historical one. However, even for drivers and passengers of cars, the passage on the bridge causes delight and admiration, as they find themselves at a height of 70 meters above the water surface.

Tours

The Russian Bridge is often used today as a highway, along which the residents of Vladivostok go to the island of the same name on weekends. There is historical part city, and the ruins of an old fortress have been preserved. In addition, there are cannons at the descent from the Russian Bridge. They once belonged to the Novosiltsevskaya Battery, built in 1901.

Some Vladivostok residents summer period go to Russky Island to organize picnics and to sunbathe and swim. In addition, some travel agencies organize sightseeing tours including inspection famous bridges cities. Their program necessarily includes a visit to the islands in Peter the Great Bay.

If you have a chance to visit Vladivostok, be sure to check out the Russian Bridge. It will surely impress you with its size and power. This building is especially beautiful in the evening, in the lights of decorative lighting, so many travelers prefer to climb viewing platforms after the Sunset.

Vladivostok, November 8 - AiF-Primorye. The bridge to Russky Island in Vladivostok has been criticized from the very beginning of construction. Some experts questioned the feasibility of such a grandiose project. Another "fly in the ointment" was added by Alexei Mikhailov, an analyst at the Center for Economic and Political Research (EPIcenter).

Why is it needed?

The cable-stayed bridge (like its Golden “brother”, which connected the city center with Cape Churkin) to Russky Island was built as part of Vladivostok’s preparations for the APEC summit. The building is unique. After all, the Russian Bridge (this is its official name) has the largest span in the world among cable-stayed bridges, 1104 meters long, and the first pylons in height - 324 m.

Economist Mikhailov gives other impressive figures: the cost of construction is about $1 billion. The same amount was spent on the access road (to the airport and the city).

“This cable-stayed bridge is actually very beautiful, floating in the air with a central span of more than 1 kilometer at a height of 70 meters, which is supported by two pylons 324 meters high. Probably, he is grandiose in engineering solutions. And it will certainly become a new symbol of Vladivostok now. That's just ... why is it needed? ”, The expert asks.

The analyst's main argument "against the bridge" is the same as that of many critics of the structure - it has a small capacity, and the population of the island is too small for such costs.

“A bridge with a capacity of 50,000 cars a day leads to a small Russky island with a population of 5,000 people. And even those mostly poor fishermen who live in barrack-type houses do not have cars,” says Mikhailov.

In contrast to this criticism, the Vladivostok authorities have repeatedly stated that the bridge was built, among other things, for the development of the island, the program of which includes the construction of many large facilities and the creation of infrastructure for 150,000 people.

The bridge "does not pay off"

"What's next with Fr. Russian? Now there are the same 5,000 residents without cars. Hand on heart, tell me, was it really worth spending $ 2 billion to access the beaches by car? Is there no way to get there by ferry? After all, every two hours he walks and even transports cars, it’s not so expensive, ”the expert continues.

The development of tourism, the construction of new housing on the island is one thing. But perhaps the main argument in favor of the feasibility of the bridge was the FEFU under construction on the same island. After all, it was planned that the united university would become the largest educational institution countries and even the world. Students from all over the world will come there to study, and the best foreign teachers will teach. However, the contractor did not have time to complete the construction of the FEFU buildings. And the great "relocation plan" failed, and the students remained on the mainland, at least until the building was completed. Now only out-of-town students live on the island, who go to classes in the city every morning.

To this all can be added the absolutely undeveloped road infrastructure of the island. After you drive off the bridge, you get to the real " Russian roads”, after passing through which it is necessary to resort to the services of an auto repair. Therefore, most of the townspeople do not dare to go there. And taxi firms raise prices for trips to the island - up to 1 thousand rubles from the center of Vladivostok.

Alexey Mikhailov compares the bridge to Russian with his "colleague" Golden Gate in San Francisco, USA. Just not in favor of the first.

“Basically, they are similar. But the Golden Gate was built 75 years ago, it is paid and actually passes 120 thousand cars a day. This bridge literally earns half a million dollars daily. And the Russian Bridge is free and how much will it actually pass per day after the APEC summit is over? A couple of thousand cars? Or maybe a couple of hundred? ”, The expert writes.

However, it is worth noting that neither the bridge builders nor the authorities of Primorye share the economist's opinion.

“This will be a comfortable area of Vladivostok, very convenient for living. Children will be able to go to school here, then to the university - and there will be no need to travel anywhere. As for the other territory of the island, it is planned to leave it under the tourist and recreational zone, - believes Governor of Primorye Vladimir Miklushevsky. - Only the coast will be built up - we are talking about boarding houses and rest houses. Still, the nature of the island should be preserved as much as possible for posterity.

“Look at any photograph, tourist brochure: if there is a bridge in the city, then it will certainly be on them. The bridge is a kind of monument, an architectural decoration of the city, an achievement of its inhabitants. San Francisco - Golden Gate, New York - Brooklyn Bridge, Hong Kong - Stonecutters Bridge - speaks his mind Alexey Baranov, Director of the USK MOST branch in Vladivostok. - And one more indisputable advantage, purely practical. Having connected the mainland with Russky Island, the bridge opened up new prospects for development. Many cities in Russia, including Vladivostok, suffer from a heterogeneous style: in different periods, under different governments and cultures, they built differently and did not always care about compatibility. And the facade of the city in a good way should be planned once and for all, only then it will be beautiful. Of course, the city cannot afford the restructuring of existing quarters. But in Russian there is a chance to start from scratch, resulting in a large and harmoniously built-up area, very promising for development.”

By the way

The issue of building a bridge to Russky Island was raised in the first half of the 20th century. The first project was completed in 1939, the second - in the 1960s. However, neither one nor the other has been implemented. At the beginning of October 2007, NPO Mostovik won a tender for the design of a bridge crossing to Russky Island. JSC "USK MOST" acted as the contractor. The construction of the bridge began in 2008, on July 1, 2012, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev opened the working traffic on the bridge, and a month later, on August 1, the bridge was opened for personal transport.

How it all started

The issue of building a bridge that will establish regular communication between Vladivostok and Russky Island was raised in Tsarist Russia. All this time at local residents there were only two possible options for crossing to the mainland: by ferry, as well as on foot through the layer of ice that covers the strait in winter.

The first engineering project of the Russian Bridge was developed back in 1939. It was assumed that the structure would be wooden and would connect Cape Tokarevsky and Helena Island. Later attempts to build a structure (70s, 80s) remained in the development stage.

AT last time the need to create a bridge across the strait was discussed in connection with the preparations for the APEC summit. As part of the investment project, Russky Island was supposed to be turned into the largest center of international cooperation, and for this it was necessary to establish transport connection with the mainland.

Despite the fact that the upcoming event was accompanied by another economic crisis, the government decided not to abandon the decision. Moreover, the construction of such grand object, like the Russian Bridge, was supposed to give a tangible impetus to the revival of the Far Eastern region.

Design and construction

In 2007, the research and production association "Mostovik" received permission to create a project for the future bridge. Among several options proposed by the engineers, preference was given to the cable-stayed design. The foundation for the future construction was to be pylons, which would "bear" the main weight of the bridge. A well-thought-out system of cables (cables) should have been responsible for the distribution of the load. Metal cables were attached to different points of the pylon in the form of a fan, giving the structure maximum stability.

The main difficulty in this was the too short time allotted for the design of the Russian Bridge. It was necessary not only to develop a site plan, but also to take into account such negative factors as unstable weather, high seismic activity in the region, as well as seasonal temperature fluctuations. In addition, we had to take into account the inevitable bulk of ships passing through the strait, and at the same time the half-meter ice crust that forms on the water surface in winter. However, despite all the difficulties, the project was fully completed and handed over to construction companies in 8 months, which became a kind of world record.

Work on the construction of the Russian bridge began in September 2008. The construction was entrusted to the general contractor USK MOST, the creation of the cables was undertaken by the French company Freyssinet, and the Russian team of MT Electro specialists took up the lighting project.

Especially to reduce the load on the structure, a special type of cables with a ribbed surface was created. It was assumed that the network of “grooves” applied to the cables would remove raindrops, as well as air currents, thereby increasing the endurance of the Russian Bridge.

The construction of the structure was sometimes carried out in extreme conditions. Sharp gusts of wind, low temperatures - all these negative factors were constant companions of the installation work. As an example, it suffices to cite the fact that the last consoles that were supposed to close the structure were installed at night. Since, under the influence of solar radiation, the parameters of metal blocks can change their characteristics, and maximum accuracy is required for joining the grooves, the work was postponed to night time.

Russian Bridge Records

The structure has the highest pylons (bearing structural elements) - 324 m.
Compared to all existing similar structures, the Russian Bridge has the maximum cable-stayed span (1104 m).
During the construction of the bridge, the longest guys (cables attached to the pylons) were used - from 135 to 580 m.

The total length of the structure, including overpasses, is 3100 m. The length of the bridge itself is 1885.53 meters. On August 29, 2012, the structure passed the strength test with honor, having withstood the devastating pressure of the Pacific Typhoon Bolaven. And a few days later, on September 2, 2012, the official opening of the working movement on the carriageway of the Russian Bridge took place, which was attended by D. A. Medvedev. The solemn event was timed to coincide with the day of the city, marking it with festive fireworks.

Grace incarnate

Despite the fact that the main function of the Russian Bridge is a transport connection between the island and the mainland, the aesthetic characteristics of the most modern landmark of Vladivostok can cause genuine admiration. A fantastic view of the structure opens at night when the architectural lighting is turned on. Professionally built lighting creates an optical illusion of flight. The bridge seems to hover over a dark strait.

The futuristic appearance of the Russian Bridge is complemented by the guys themselves. Painted in the colors of the Russian tricolor, they give the composition a special, unique flavor and extraordinary solemnity. To fully appreciate the true power of architectural design, it is enough just to ride from the mainland to the island. Only by driving along the motorway leading through the bridge, you can truly feel the solidity and amazing beauty of this unique structure.

Initially, three projects for a cable-stayed bridge were proposed.
The structure is closely monitored, and its condition is monitored around the clock by satellite systems.
The image of the Russian bridge can be seen on banknotes with a face value of 2000 rubles.

How to get there

The address of the Russian bridge: Vladivostok, the East Bosphorus Strait, st. Velvet.

The easiest way to get to the main seaside attraction is bus trip. Routes No. 15, 22, 29, 74 and 76 go through the Russian Bridge. A more comfortable and, accordingly, more expensive option is a taxi.

The Russian Bridge in Vladivostok is cable-stayed and connects the Nazimov Peninsula and Cape Novosilsky on the Russian Island, separated by the East Bosporus Strait. The bridge appeared as part of the APEC summit in 2012. The Russian Bridge is a complex and unique object in the entire practice of bridge building in Russia and the world.

Construction

The construction of the Russian bridge in Vladivostok began in September 2008, although the question of its construction arose at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1939, the first draft was drawn up, in the 1960s, the second. But both remained unfulfilled. And only in 2008 the final design of the cable-stayed bridge was approved.

During the construction of the bridge, different positions were expressed regarding the expediency of its appearance. Some said that the work was not economically justified, since only five thousand people live on Russky Island. Others insisted that the construction of a bridge to Russky Island would be an impetus for the development of the island, the creation of large economic and cultural centers.

Description

The Russian bridge is one of the most grandiose in the world. One of the reasons for this is that the length of the bridge in Vladivostok on Russky Island – over three kilometers. The roadbed of the structure is supported by diagonal cables. They, in turn, are attached to two pylons, each reaching a height of 324 meters.

The entire structure weighs 23,000 tons. Its spans reach a kilometer. On top of the bridge, you can see the tensioned cables, painted in color Russian flag. Lanterns are installed along the railings. At the descent from the bridge, one can observe cannons - the remains of the Novosiltsevskaya battery.

Hidden inside each pylon are ladders that lead to observation decks, but these are only accessible to staff watching the bridge, and only occasionally to photographers. From a height of 300 meters, a breathtaking view opens up: endless Pacific Ocean and below Vladivostok in barely noticeable outlines

Technical features

The cable-stayed system of the bridge across the Eastern Bosporus was designed by the best engineers in Russia and abroad. The shrouds consist of 13 to 85 parallel strands, each individually protected against corrosion. The shell is made of two layers: the inner one is made of dense polyethylene, the outer one is thinner.

The decorative shell has a spiral collar - it provides protection against vibrations generated during the simultaneous action of rain and wind.

The Russian bridge was built in conditions of strong winds, a humid climate and sudden changes in temperature. As a result, the cables, thanks to special steel, are able to withstand the temperature range from -40 to +40 degrees, and their service life is up to one hundred years. The aerodynamic section of the structure makes it resistant even to squally winds, which often happen in Vladivostok.

Motion

The bridge to Russky Island allows residents to travel there for the weekend. The building is designed for cars and small trucks.

There are four traffic lanes on the roadway - two in both directions. Drivers who find themselves at a height of 70 meters are breathtaking from the water surface extending below and the shrouds hanging from above. Pedestrians are prohibited from entering the bridge.

Lighting

Lighting equipment for the bridge to Russky Island was completed in early 2013. The main task of the lighting is to create the illusion of a bridge floating in the air and at the same time emphasize its main elements - giant pillars and shrouds painted in the colors of the Russian flag.

Lighting equipment is fixed in such a way as not to create difficulties during operation. Lighting not only highlights the bridge, but also noticeably transforms the appearance in the dark.