Andreevsky Bridge

The majestic pedestrian bridge across the Moskva River has become a true adornment of the capital and a favorite walking spot for Muscovites. Officially named the Pushkin Bridge, it is known as the Andreevsky due to its unique arched structure from the early 20th century.

History of the Bridge's Creation

The modern pedestrian bridge appeared in the capital in 1999, but its history began much earlier. The arched structure crowning the crossing was created over a century ago by the outstanding engineer Lavr Proskuryakov for the railway Andreevsky Bridge. The architectural design was developed by Alexander Pomerantsev, known for his works in eclectic and Art Nouveau styles. The original Andreevsky Bridge served Muscovites from 1907 to 1999, connecting the river banks in the area of the Kanatchikovo station. During the construction of the Third Transport Ring, the old bridge was dismantled, but its historical arch weighing about 1500 tons was decided to be preserved and used for the new pedestrian crossing.

Transportation of the Historical Structure

Moving the massive arch became an engineering achievement. Three barges were used to float it down the river, completing the task in just an hour and a half. The construction of the new bridge took 11 months, with navigation halted for only 8 days.

Architectural Features

The Pushkin Bridge connects the Frunzenskaya and Pushkinskaya embankments, spanning a distance of 225 meters. The structure consists of several elements:

• Main span of 135 meters with the historical arch
• Two additional spans of 25 meters each over the water
• Shore sections with a total length of 107 meters
• Viadeucts and descents to the embankments

Unique Arched Structure

The bridge's main attraction is the crescent-shaped arch reaching 15.4 meters at its highest point. It consists of two metal curves, between which is a glazed gallery 8 meters wide. The bridge's height above the water reaches 24 meters, ensuring unobstructed passage for vessels. Inside the covered part are installed:

• Escalators from the Frunzenskaya embankment side
• Stairs for pedestrians
• Elevators for people with limited mobility
• Lighting system

Modern Usage

Today, the bridge serves not only as a transport artery but also as a popular recreation spot. Open viewing balconies along the entire structure allow visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Moskva River, sights of the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and the monument to Peter the Great.

Viewing Platforms

The bridge offers breathtaking views in both directions:

1. Downstream: the Krymsky Bridge, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and the monument to Peter I
2. Upstream: the Andreevsky Monastery, the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences building, and the MSU skyscraper on the Lenin Hills
3. Ensembles of the Central Park of Culture with historical rotundas and ponds

Operational Features

In warm weather, visitors prefer the open sections with wrought-iron railings, where a fresh river breeze blows. In winter and bad weather, the glazed gallery protects from precipitation and strong winds. The evening illumination transforms the bridge into a sparkling landmark, especially beautiful at night.

Extreme Entertainment

Despite the danger, the arched structure attracts adrenaline enthusiasts. Young people climb to the top of the arch, where at the height of a ten-story building they sit with dangling legs, listen to music, and take photos. The width of the load-bearing beam is about 2 meters, covered with numerous rivets. It is important to remember the danger of such activities. There is a wide gap between the arch and the tunnel, and falling into it could end tragically. Authorities do not recommend climbing the structure, but there is no official ban or fencing.

Practical Information for Visitors

How to Get There

The nearest metro stations are a 10-15 minute walk away:

• «Frunzenskaya» (Sokolnicheskaya line) — the shortest route through the park to the embankment
• «Park Kultury» (Circle line) — head to the Moskva River and south along Frunzenskaya embankment
• «Shabolovskaya» (Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya line) — walk along Akademika Petrovskogo Street and Titovsky Passage

Ground Transport

You can reach the bridge by buses and trolleybuses:

• Stop «1-ya Frunzenskaya Ulitsa» (left bank) — buses t79, B
• Stop «Ulitsa Akademika Petrovskogo» (right bank, 500 meters from the bridge) — trolleybuses 4, m4, buses 111, 144, 196, and other routes

Significance for Urban Infrastructure

The Pushkin Bridge solved several important tasks for the capital. It provided convenient pedestrian connection between the Khamovniki and Zamoskvorechye districts, facilitated access to the Central Park of Culture, and created additional parking opportunities — motorists leave cars on Frunzenskaya embankment and walk to the park. The structure also serves as a venue for cultural events, flash mobs, and sports activities. During fireworks festivals and water tournaments, the bridge turns into a spectator stand with unique views of the shows.

Operating Hours and Admission Cost

The bridge is open for visits around the clock and completely free of charge. This makes it an accessible place for walks at any time of day. The evening hours are especially picturesque, when the architectural lighting turns on and the surroundings take on a romantic appearance.