Peter Vygodin reports on a dramatic new bridge that is proposed for the Neva Bay in St Petersburg

Authorities in the Russian sea port of St Petersburg are planning construction of a new landmark bridge to provide a route across the Neva River delta for the Western High Speed Diameter Ring Road, which is an express motorway. Tenders for the privately-financed design and construction of the project are currently being invited, with site work expected to start some time next year.

Its location on the flood plain of the Neva River means that St Petersburg has been plagued by floods since the city was founded in 1703. It is particularly prone to tidal storm surge floods originating in the Gulf of Finland. In order to protect the city, a flood protection barrier which is more than 25km long is currently being built across the estuary. But the barrier will also incorporate a major highway, which requires several bridges across the navigation channels and sluices.

Every time that Freyssinet project manager for major projects Bertrand Garin returns to Kosovo, usually about once a month, he notices new signs of regeneration. Whether it is the petrol stations that have sprung up every mile or so along the province's main roads, or the continuing proliferation of half-built houses, or the opening of a new hotel in the capital Pristina, things are now much easier than they were five years ago, he recalls.