A ceremonial foundation stone was laid at the Bolshoi Smolensky Bridge construction site in St. Petersburg, a milestone reported by city governor Alexander Beglov through his official Telegram channel. “They laid the foundation stone of the future Great Smolensky Bridge”, he noted, signaling a new chapter for the city’s infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The upcoming double-leaf suspension bridge is designed to span the Neva River and close the largest urban gap between the Alexander Nevsky and Volodarsky bridges. The navigable span will measure 60 meters in width, while the overall length of the crossing reaches 1.6 kilometers. This project aims to improve traffic flow across a critical artery and enhance access for residents and visitors alike.
Public transport will migrate onto the bridge, with trams among the vehicles that will use the structure. In addition, bicycle lanes are being incorporated to promote alternative mobility options. Official information notes that the bridge will accommodate six traffic lanes in addition to a dedicated pedestrian path, creating a safer and more versatile crossing for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. These elements reflect the city’s commitment to multi-modal transportation and urban resilience.
Earlier, during Region Day at the Russia exhibition, St. Petersburg’s leadership highlighted the city’s achievements and projected future growth. Governor Beglov, speaking on the exhibition floor, emphasized that St. Petersburg is celebrating the completion of its first suspension bridge in four decades, underscoring a strategic push to modernize the city’s crossing infrastructure.
Numerous outlets have tracked the development of this major project, including local sources that outlined the hospitable season and ongoing municipal planning for the city. The bridge stands as a visible symbol of St. Petersburg’s ongoing efforts to expand its transport network and support sustainable urban mobility for decades to come.