Luzhkov Bridge

Luzhkov Bridge (officially called the Tretyakov Bridge) is one of the pedestrian bridges across the Vodootvodny Canal in Moscow. It connects Bolotnaya Square with Kadashevskaya Embankment. From the side of Bolotnaya Square, the bridge goes to the monument to I. E. Repin, from the opposite side – to Lavrushinsky Lane (Tretyakov Gallery).

The popular name is because the bridge appeared in those years when Mayor Yuri Luzhkov ruled Moscow.

The bridge is an integral part of the architectural and artistic ensemble of the State Tretyakov Gallery, because of which it is officially (per the title of the State Budgetary Institution “Gormost”) called “Tretyakov.”

Another name for this bridge is Kissing Bridge.

The bridge is a span structure of variable cross-sections made of high-strength steel. The bridge was opened in mid-1994 (engineer A. O. Khomsky, architects T. V. Astafiev, G. I. Kopans) and looked like a single-span arch. The work was conducted according to the project of JSC “Institute Giprostroymost.”

The design of small forms, lighting fittings, and the fence with medallions was made on historical subjects based on the sketches of the sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, according to the designers, “corresponds to the traditional Moscow style.”

In April 2007, the first “tree of love” in Moscow appeared – a metal sculpture designed specifically for people in love to hang locks on it “for good luck.” Six months later, two more trees were added since the first place quickly ended; other trees were added regularly. As of the end of 2011, there are seven trees on the bridge and 15 near its end on Bolotnaya Embankment.

Nearest metro: Tretyakovskaya, Novokuznetskaya.

See also bridges and embankments of Moscow.

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