In Vitebsk, one of the most complex stages of the construction of the Polotsk overpass has begun
All work at construction site No. 1 in Vitebsk is proceeding according to schedule, and there are no funding issues. In the summer, the construction of bridge supports began from the Titov Street side, and construction workers are also continuing to grout the joints between spans from Kosmonavtov Street.
"Currently, bridge builders are erecting foundations for supports between the railway tracks. This is quite complex work, as trains must run on schedule, and construction workers must complete everything on time. We plan to complete the supports near the railway tracks from the Kosmonavtov Street side by the end of October. In November, bridge units will begin erecting them in the inter-track space from the Titov Street side. We are not afraid of winter frosts; we will use modern technologies for everything. We expect the supports to be ready in March, after which the installation of span structure beams will begin. We will also start laying tram tracks in the spring of 2020," noted Mikhail Kazurov.
Until recently, workers from two divisions of OAO "Mostostroy" – MSU No. 7 from Grodno and Vitebsk MSU No. 5 – were involved in the construction of the Polotsk overpass. Starting tomorrow, colleagues from Mogilev MSU No. 1 will join them. Specialists from Vitebsk DSK, Mechanized Column No. 43 of Vitebsk, Tiraspol PMK, and branch SMP-169 of OAO "Dorstroy montazh trest" have been involved in the relocation of utility networks and related work. As a result, at least 120 people will be working at the site.
From September 10, a section of Leningradskaya Street with an exit to Michurina Street will be closed for construction work. During this period, several passages will be organized for residents of Lokomotivnaya Street and adjacent areas.
Construction of the Polotsk overpass began in 2010, but after some time, work was suspended due to lack of funding. In December 2018, specialists resumed work. It is planned that the length of the future bridge with multi-level interchanges will be over 400 m, and the width - 45 m. The overpass will have two lanes in each direction and tram tracks. In the future, a pedestrian crossing and several parking lots, including those for buses, will appear here. The bridge is being built above the existing one, which will allow for the electrification of this section of the railway in the future if necessary. A total of about Br100 million is required to complete the work. This year, Br40 million is planned to be utilized, with the remainder in 2020. All work is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.
The Polotsk overpass is a central transit artery that connects Kosmonavtov Avenue with Titov and Leningradskaya streets. They provide both internal and external connections for the road network of Vitebsk in the direction of Polotsk, Gorodok, and St. Petersburg. The bridge had been in a state of disrepair for over 10 years. Traffic for vehicles and pedestrians was closed on November 15, 2018.