Bridge construction season begins in St. Petersburg along the Neva and its smaller channels, marking the moment when the first ships start their passage beneath the city’s bridges. The opening of navigation for the season often sees the arterial arms of the Neva begin to stretch their lines of work as crews prepare for the annual rhythm of openings and closures. Officials from the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution Mostotrest have noted this scheduled progression, with updates tracing the timeline through early spring into late autumn. [TASS]
The initial vessels have already threaded under the Blagoveshchensky, Palace, and Volodarsky bridges, confirming the early phase of the bridge-lift schedule. From April 20 to November 15, bridge works are planned to proceed along the Neva’s arms, aligning with the seasonal navigation needs and urban mobility goals. [TASS]
Agency communications reiterate that the period of bridge raises and sessions is fixed for these months, with flights typically extending to late November. The official calendar for 2023’s navigation season was approved and published, establishing the predictable cadence for water and road traffic in the city. [TASS]
The standard timing for lifts remains unchanged. The Palace Bridge, which serves as a hallmark of St. Petersburg, is scheduled to open first at 01:10 each day, ensuring tourist boats have sufficient time to clear the Neva before the larger commercial vessels arrive. This precise timing helps preserve both maritime safety and the city’s vibrant tourist tempo. [TASS]
Last autumn’s operations saw the suspension bridges stay closed on the night of October 4 due to weather conditions, with winds reaching up to 12–13 meters per second. Such gusts can influence the swing span, slowing or delaying the movement of the bridge sections. These weather-driven decisions underscore the balance between maritime passage, city life, and crew safety. [TASS]