The bridge was built to replace a seasonal pontoon crossing that was unusable during ice drift periods.
It is often locally referred to as the 'Old Bridge' to distinguish it from the newer bridges constructed in the city later.
The original construction contract was awarded to the Lefert company, a firm based in the Russian Empire at the time.
The lattice design of the bridge was a common architectural trend for infrastructure projects in late 19th-century Europe.
Its construction significantly facilitated trade between the two banks of the Volga River, which previously relied on ferry transport.
Staryy Most, or the Old Bridge, is a historic metal truss structure spanning the Volga River in Tver, Russia. Completed in 1900, the bridge was designed by Hungarian engineer Jozsef Leopoldovich Biro and constructed by the Lefert firm. It connects the historic city center with the Zarechye district. The structure utilizes a distinctive riveted lattice truss design, which was technologically advanced for the Tver region at the turn of the 20th century. During World War II, the bridge sustained significant damage but was subsequently restored to serve as a vital transit link. It underwent a major capital reconstruction in the mid-1980s to preserve its structural integrity. The bridge remains a primary pedestrian and vehicular crossing point in the city.
From the river embankment directly beneath the bridge on the south bank.
Walk across the bridge during the evening to see the city lights reflected on the Volga.
Visit the riverside parks located at both ends of the bridge for clear perspectives of the structure's metal geometry.
Stay on the dedicated pedestrian walkways on the outer sides of the bridge for safety, as vehicle traffic can be steady.
Attempting to photograph traffic from the center of the road; stick to the pedestrian paths.
