NPS Starts Installation of Expansion Joints on the Bolshoy Smolensky Bridge
In St. Petersburg, specialists from Dorogi i Mosty (a division of Natsproektstroy) have started installation of expansion joints at the Bolshoy Smolensky Bridge across the Neva River, which is currently under construction.
21 July 2026
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"Construction of the new bascule crossing is still ahead of schedule. The installation of expansion joints is the next important stage of this project. These components ensure the bridge's durability, safety, and stability. Due to their flexibility, they prevent cracking, concrete spalling, and damage to steel structures, thereby extending the service life of the entire structure," said Alexander Beglov, Governor of St. Petersburg.
A total of 13 domestically manufactured expansion joints will be installed on the Bolshoy Smolensky Bridge, made from special structural steel grades. The weight of each unit ranges from 4 to 7 tonnes, and they are placed between the bridge spans to compensate for thermal expansion and other external impacts. To date, two expansion joints with a total length of 30 linear meters have been placed in their design positions.
To ensure traffic safety on the bridge, construction crews are installing railings and parapet barriers. Their total length will exceed 2 km, with one section already completed. In parallel, the electrical and hydraulic systems of the bascule span mechanism are being set up.
Traffic on the newly built structure is scheduled to open next year.
A total of 13 domestically manufactured expansion joints will be installed on the Bolshoy Smolensky Bridge, made from special structural steel grades. The weight of each unit ranges from 4 to 7 tonnes, and they are placed between the bridge spans to compensate for thermal expansion and other external impacts. To date, two expansion joints with a total length of 30 linear meters have been placed in their design positions.
To ensure traffic safety on the bridge, construction crews are installing railings and parapet barriers. Their total length will exceed 2 km, with one section already completed. In parallel, the electrical and hydraulic systems of the bascule span mechanism are being set up.
Traffic on the newly built structure is scheduled to open next year.
