Saratov bridge is one of the main sights of the Volga region. Since its inception, it has become a symbol of the city and continues to be so until now. In 2015, the bridge turned 50 years old. For the anniversary, it was prepared in the process of overhaul, in fact, received a second birth. Half a century is a long time and a worthy occasion to remember the past, to take a closer look at the present.
Briefly about the main things
The automobile bridge stretches over the Volga for almost three kilometers. It connects two cities: Saratov occupies the right bank of the great river, and Engels occupies the left bank. The width of the structure is 15 m. The height of the Saratov bridge is variable. In the Engels area, the structure is reduced. Closer to Saratov, the bridge is much higher: the maximum value is 20 m. The navigable zone is located here.
Walking to the beach
The Saratov bridge today is divided into three car lanes. And of course, there are walking paths. Every summer, residents and guests of the city use them to get to the beach,located in the middle of the Volga on the island "Pokrovsky Sands" (Pokrovsk - the old name of Engels). For a fairly long period in history, transport did not stop on the bridge, and it was possible to sunbathe and swim only after a long walk. Now one of the buses "Saratov - Engels" delivers everyone directly to the entrance to the beach.
Getting on foot to the golden sand is generally not difficult. But a trip from Saratov to Engels or in the opposite direction without transport is already a feat. The length of the Saratov bridge, in fact, is not so great for those who like walking. However, the traveler is often met by a strong wind, which creates beautiful ripples on the Volga and persistent ringing in the ears after the journey is completed. There are also ups and downs. However, all difficulties recede into the background before the beauty of the view. A mighty, wide river, both cities viewed from the middle of the bridge - there is something to admire at any time of the year.
Great construction
The history of the Saratov bridge began in the 50s of the last century. The original project has undergone several changes and improvements. It was proposed, for example, to build a two-tier structure so that both trains and road transport could walk on it. In 1956 the plan was approved. Construction began six months later from the Engelsky bank. The works were preserved not only in the memory of the participants and in the photographs. The repair was filmed: right on the site, director Oleg Yefremov created the film "A bridge is being built" with the participation of the actors of the Moscow "Sovremennik".
The main decoration of the bridge - the so-called birds, under which ships sail - was installed in the next decade. Each of them weighs about 2.6 tons, but because of the openwork design, it seems very light. Nearly 2,000 workers worked on the construction of the bridge. Through their efforts, the main attraction of the city was created in six years.
Opening
The Saratov Bridge began its work on July 10, 1965. The strength of the structure before the opening was subjected to a serious test. 250 laden MAZ vehicles were let through the bridge. The strength test was passed with an "excellent".
On the opening day, residents of the two cities met in the middle of the bridge. Thus began the history of the main attraction of Saratov.
Repair
Half a century for reinforced concrete structures is quite a serious time. Already in the 90s there was talk of the need for repair work. The impossibility of postponing the reconstruction became apparent a little later, in 2004. Then the contact network was damaged, the legendary trolleybus No. 9 had to be removed from the bridge, problems with lighting began.
Major overhaul was carried out in 2014. Asph alt was changed on the bridge, the condition of sidewalks and lighting poles was improved. The waterproofing has been completely redone. The workers replaced the expansion joints, which for a long time had been emitting a strong roar when vehicles moved along them. During the repair, the bridge was closed to vehicles and pedestrians.
The work wascompleted two months ahead of schedule, at the end of August 2014. The updated bridge, according to experts, will last for about 15 more years, and then it will probably become a pedestrian one.
And opening again
The second opening of the bridge was celebrated no less magnificently than the first. A huge number of people gathered for the celebration. Here you could see different Saratov bridge: photo and video chronicle of the construction half a century ago superimposed on the modern picture. All this created a sense of belonging not only to a new discovery, but to the creation of a bridge.
The celebration was decorated with bikers and fireworks. Trolleybus No. 9, specially released for this day, was launched across the bridge (the route, however, is not going to be restored yet). The celebration of the second opening of the bridge was as solemn as it was in 1965.
Today, the Saratov Bridge continues to be the main attraction of the city. It is especially good in the evening and at night, when the road illuminated by lanterns is reflected in the Volga. Of course, the repair did not solve all the problems. No bridge will last forever, and already today possible options for the projects of its "deputies" are being discussed. As before, the main inconvenience is the eternal traffic jams. By the way, the bridge was supposed to be four-lane, but its width was reduced in order to save money. They say that Khrushchev himself gave the decree on this. Despite all the problems, the main attraction of Saratov continues to attract tourists and romantics and remains one of the symbols of the city.
