Crimean bridge in Moscow

One of the numerous sights of the capital, of course, is the Crimean bridge, which connects two arcs of the Garden Ring into a single transport communication. It is interesting both for its architectural solution 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

Moscow-river in this place had a small depth, this provided the possibility of its wading. The Crimean ford was named after the representation of the Crimean Khanate located here in Moscow. This place was the starting point of trade routes connecting the capital of the Russian state with the southern territories. Now the existing Crimean bridge is already the fourth in a row. The first bridge crossing the Moscow River appeared here at the end of the eighteenth century. It was wooden, and consequently, 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 beginning of the thirties it became clear that it was simply impossible to modernize it in accordance with the requirements of the transport movement of the twentieth century.

An Important Element of the Moscow Reconstruction Plan

Of course, in the first half of the twentieth century, not only the Crimean bridge demanded radical perestroika. Moscow could no longer live and develop with the transport infrastructure, which was formed almost in the Middle Ages. It was the reduction of the capital in accordance with the requirements of the present and was dedicated to the so-called "Stalin's plan for the reconstruction of Moscow." The new Crimean bridge, located almost in the center of the city, was one of the key facilities providing the organization of a new rational traffic scheme. It provided for the creation of a network of main transport highways, ensuring unimpeded communication of the central part of the capital with its peripheral areas. To implement this project, many blocks of the historical center of Moscow had to be demolished and rescheduled.

Architectural features of the new Crimean bridge

The main requirement for a bridge facility on the Garden Ring is to ensure the throughput of significant traffic flows in both directions. In addition, the bridge in the center of the Soviet capital was to correspond to the status of the place in terms of architectural expressiveness. The new Crimean bridge, which entered into operation on May 1, 1938, fully satisfied all this set of requirements. In its engineering solution, this bridge object for its time was largely unique. According to the type of its construction, it is a suspended three-span bridge with a total length of 688 meters. It provides both passage of vessels under the main span, and transport traffic under the lateral spans on the sections of the embankment along both banks. Bearing the basis of the structure are two freestanding pylons with a height of 28 meters. A special visual expressiveness is attached to the bridge by a complex suspension system consisting of chain and cable metal structures. In its style, the Crimean bridge is one of the most striking works of constructivism. This architectural direction was one of the dominant not only in the Soviet Union in the pre-war period, but also in many European countries.

Reconstruction of the bridge

Common problems typical for the traffic in Moscow at the beginning of the third millennium, did not pass the Crimean bridge. The bridged object was not designed for such intensity of automobile traffic. All its designs for several decades were operated in the limit load mode. These circumstances caused the general reconstruction of the Crimean bridge, which was carried out for several months of 2001. During this period, the covering of the carriageway and sidewalks was replaced, waterproofing was replaced, it was cleaned from corrosion and a number of supporting and auxiliary metal structures were replaced. And also the volume of works on replacement and restoration of granite facing of staircases and architectural elements on approaches to the bridge has been made. The reconstruction works were completed in a short time.

The Crimean bridge. Wharf in the city center

In the tourist infrastructure of the capital, this place is known as the starting point of water routes along the Moscow River. From here go pleasure boats in both directions. Recently, this type of recreation is becoming increasingly popular. In addition to walks and excursions on open decks of ships, corporate entertainment, weddings and anniversaries are often held. The starting point for such trips is ideally suited to its location in the center of the city, convenient access and parking. Find it simply - pier "Crimean Bridge", address: Frunzenskaya embankment.