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.

The second of two cable-stayed bridges is just starting construction over the Neva River in St Petersburg. The same structural health monitoring system which was successfully installed on the first bridge is planned for the new crossing.

In recent years in St Petersburg, a lot of work has been going on to repair,