How the Volgograd dancing bridge became famous all over the world

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:54

On October 10, 2009, a new bridge across the Volga was pompously opened in Volgograd, which connected the center of the hero city with the left bank, where the settlements of the Sredneakhtubinsky district of the region are located. Residents of the agglomeration have been waiting for this event for decades. After all, it was possible to get to the other side only by ferry or through the dam of the Volga hydroelectric power station, having spent a lot of time. But after some seven months, something happened - the new bridge began to dance. And to be more precise, he caught the resonance and went in waves. People were in a panic.

Construction history

Building the much-needed bridge for the millionaire city started back in 1996. To do this, they even demolished hundreds of houses that prevented the construction from being laid. But due to financial problems in the region, the construction of the century was completed only after 13 years. According to experts, the cost of the project amounted to approximately 12 billionrubles.

The day the bridges start to dance

May 20, 2010, the bridge began to make waves due to strong winds. It was immediately blocked to avoid tragedies, and the locals began to discuss the miracle. And argue that corruption is to blame. Like, the bridge was built with violations, so he started dancing.

All major river crossings sway a little. But this one certainly broke all records. The amplitude of vertical oscillations then amounted to approximately 50-60 centimeters, despite the fact that such beam-type structures are not subject to them. Surprisingly, the asph alt, railings and all other structures of the dancing bridge did not even deform. It is still not known for certain how something like this is even possible.

The video of the dancing bridge went viral on social networks and forums in no time. And a few days later, his nickname became a household name.

How regular dancing was prevented

Although the first dance of the bridge did not result in destruction or casu alties, every effort was made to prevent a repeat of what had happened. A year later, the structure was strengthened with special vibration dampers - multi-ton dampers, and everything returned to normal. But the legend of the dancing bridge in Volgograd has gone far beyond the region and even Russia. Many foreign media reported about this event. And during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, tourists walked around this structure and took selfies as a keepsake.

Dancing bridge today

CurrentlyThe construction is an integral part of the life of Volgograd residents and residents of neighboring areas. It is one of the longest bridges in Russia and is located in 11th place - its length is just over 2.5 kilometers. And in 2017, the building gained a second life - a lot of LED lamps were installed on gray supports.

Every evening, residents of both banks and motorists can watch a colorful light show - the bridge shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow, then goes out, then fills with white lights. And all this beauty, reflected on the water surface, adds to the spectacle even more pomposity.