Crimean Bridge in Moscow
One of the many attractions of the capital, of course, is the Crimean Bridge, which connects the two arcs of the Garden Ring into a single transport communication. It is interesting both for its architectural design and for the many historical circumstances associated with it. Let's take a closer look at this important object of the capital's transport infrastructure.
From the history
The Moscow River in this place had a shallow depth, which made it possible to ford it. The Crimean Ford was named after the representative office in Moscow located here. This place was the starting point of trade routes connecting the capital of the Russian state with the southern territories. The currently existing Crimean Bridge is already the fourth in a row. The first bridge crossing over the Moscow River appeared here at the end of the eighteenth century. It was made of wood, and therefore short-lived. In 1870, it was replaced by a metal bridge structure, which was destined to stand here for more than half a century. The bridge was rebuilt several times, but by the early thirties it became clear that it was simply impossible to modernize it in accordance with the requirements of twentieth-century traffic.
An important element of the Moscow reconstruction plan
Of course, in the first half of the twentieth century, it was not only the Crimean Bridge that required radical restructuring. Moscow could not continue to live and develop since it was formed almost in the Middle Ages. The so-called “Stalinist plan for the reconstruction of Moscow” was dedicated to bringing the capital in line with the requirements of modern times. The New Crimean Bridge, located almost in the center of the city, was one of the key objects ensuring the organization of a new rational traffic pattern. It provided for the creation of a network of main transport routes, ensuring unhindered communication between the central part of the capital and its peripheral areas. To implement this project, many blocks of the historical center of Moscow had to be demolished and redeveloped.
Architectural features of the new Crimean Bridge
The main requirement for the bridge facility on the Garden Ring is to ensure the capacity of significant traffic flows in both directions. In addition, the bridge in the center of the Soviet capital had to correspond to the status of the place in terms of architectural expressiveness. The new Crimean Bridge, which went into operation on May 1, 1938, fully satisfied this entire set of requirements. In its engineering solution, this bridge object was in many ways unique for its time. According to its type of construction, it is a three-span suspension bridge with a total length of 688 meters. It ensures both the passage of ships under the main span and traffic movement under the side spans on sections of the embankment on both banks. The load-bearing basis of the structure is two free-standing support pylons 28 meters high. The bridge is given a special visual expressiveness by a complex suspension system consisting of chain and cable metal structures. In terms of its style, the Crimean Bridge is one of the most striking works of constructivism. This architectural direction was one of the dominant ones not only in the Soviet Union in the pre-war period, but also in many European countries.
Bridge reconstruction
The general problems characteristic of transport traffic in Moscow at the beginning of the third millennium did not pass by the Crimean Bridge. The bridge facility was not designed for such an intensity of vehicular traffic. All its structures have been operated at maximum load for several decades. These circumstances determined the general reconstruction of the Crimean Bridge, which was carried out over several months in 2001. During this period, the roadway and sidewalks were resurfaced, waterproofing was replaced, corrosion was removed and a number of load-bearing and auxiliary metal structures were replaced. A scope of work was also carried out to replace and restore the granite cladding of stairs and architectural elements on the approaches to the bridge. The reconstruction work was completed in a short time.
Crimean Bridge. Pier in the city center
In the capital's tourism infrastructure, this place is known as the starting point of water routes along the Moscow River. Pleasure boats depart from here in both directions. Recently, this type of recreation has become increasingly popular. In addition to walks and excursions, corporate entertainment events, weddings and anniversaries are often held on the open decks of ships. The starting point for such trips is ideal due to its location in the city center, convenient access and parking. It’s easy to find - the Crimean Bridge pier, address: Frunzenskaya Embankment.