The bridge over the Western Dvina was opened after reconstruction in Novopolotsk
The general contractor for the reconstruction of the facility in the Belarusian "oil city" was "Vitebskavtodor," and the general contractor was JSC "Mostostroy." Together with other organizations, they completely transformed this much-needed road artery for the city in just 17 months. For reference, the examination showed that the structure will serve people faithfully for another century!
The renovated bridge is made of metal. With two main lanes for vehicle traffic, galvanized railings, the roadway and sidewalks have become wider. They even took care of observation decks, from which the entire city is in full view.
It is worth noting that the Kalininsky Bridge is the same age as Novopolotsk. It underwent a large-scale reconstruction in 1999 and another diagnosis in 2017. But, as time has shown, a major overhaul was unavoidable. The grand work began last summer and was carried out around the clock. To ensure residents' comfort, a pontoon crossing was organized during the warm season, which even managed to become a local attraction.
- But still, people were waiting for the main, the only bridge in the city. Thanks to the builders! — smiles pensioner and avid cyclist Leonid Shalaevsky. - This is a landmark event for the city and for us. I am over 70, and I haven't parted with my sports bike for the last 5 years. I am sure it will be a pleasure to ride on the renovated bridge.
Among the first to walk across the bridge was a family from Novopolotsk – Dmitry and Diana Misevich and their little daughter Eva.
"I work as a cable splicer in Polotsk," shares Dmitry. "After the bridge was closed for repairs, my commute to work took over an hour. Now it's about 25 minutes. We'll also be visiting the city center more often for walks and family outings."
We found Ruslan Teren from the branch of Road Administration No. 7 "Vitebskavtodor" right in the cabin of a 16-ton MAZ-MAN truck. The smiling driver admits:
"My heart rejoices, because my humble contribution is also in the fact that the bridge is like new: I transported sand for the construction work. As a driver with 20 years of experience, I can say one thing: this is not just a bridge, but a bridge of life. Fewer traffic jams, a direct road, what more could you ask for happiness."
Tatyana Klyatchenko from the Polotsk branch of Road Administration No. 32 "Vitebskavtodor" also looks at the structure with a special feeling:
"With what? With pride, of course! Our workers acted as subcontractors, did the road markings, installed road signs, and landscaped the roundabout... I think, like everyone involved, we did a great job."
Specifically for the opening, employees and students of Polotsk State University created a model of the renovated Kalinin Bridge. Second-year student of PSU Polina Khrol notes:
"As a native of Novopolotsk, I perfectly understand that the importance of this artery is hard to overestimate. Many of my friends studied in the building on the other side of the Dvina, and it was not easy to get to classes."
The completely transformed bridge, which is experiencing a second birth, will become another building block in the region's development. This was stated at the grand opening ceremony by the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Andreichenko:
— In Belarus, it has become a good tradition to open socially significant facilities on the eve of the Great October Revolution Day. Everything is for the people, who are the main wealth of our country. May ties be strengthened, distances be shortened, communication be increased, and may this bridge bring all the best to our people, our country, and serve for many decades!
