Krasnoluzhsky Rail Bridge (1907, Structure Replacement 2001)
The original Nicholas II Bridge (Мост Николая II) and its twin, Sergievsky Bridge (now known as Andreyevsky Bridge, Андреевский мост) were built in 1903–1907. They carried two tracks of Moscow Inner Ring Railroad across the Luzhniki bend. Both were designed as through arch bridges by Lavr Proskuryakov (structural engineering) and Alexander Pomerantsev (architectural design). The 135-meter steel arch of Nicholas II Bridge (1400 metric tons) was made at Sormovo works. Proskuryakov's work, considered a marvel of engineering, was proven by the 1908 flood: water level exceeded the maximum design specification by a meter and a half; the bridges stood unharmed. After the February Revolution of 1917, the tzarist title was replaced with a politically correct Krasnoluzhsky, literally Red Meadows. In 1926 the builder, Lavr Proskuryakov, was buried at Novodevichy Cemetery - right next to the bridge.
In 1952–1956, the arched stone pillars over embankments were extended from one to two spans (each side) to accommodate street traffic; inner steel frame of these arches was replaced by concrete. Eventually, after more than 90 years of service, the bridge required extensive repairs. The City preferred to replace the whole steel structure with a brand new arch over existing pillars; this was completed in 2001. New steel arch is superficially similar (but not identical) to Proskuryakov's original design. The function of the bridge was not changed, it carries a railway line across Moskva River.
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