- Address: Liepaja, Latvia;
- Type of construction: swivel bridge;
- The height of the arch above the water: 16.5 m;
- Lanes of traffic: 2;
- Beginning of construction: spring 1904
- Opening: August 19, 1906.
Oscar Kalpak's bridge is in Liepaja . This is one of the oldest bridges in Latvia , it is a technical monument of engineering of the early twentieth century. For a long time his architect was the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, but more recently the Lielpai historian Gleb Yudin proved that the author of the project, this legendary structure, was German engineer Harald Hull.
Features of the Oscar Kolpak Bridge Architecture
The bridge was built with the purpose of arranging the Libava naval port, so the attitude to construction was more than serious. The first Hall project was not adopted, the design was too expensive and huge. For a military structure, it is unacceptable for a strategically important object to be visible from a distance. Therefore, the engineer had to once again take up the project and, taking into account all the amendments, create an impeccable design.
First of all it was necessary to solve the problem, what will be the bridge: turning or lifting? Hull created a swivel bridge, which could open and close with a minimum of effort. At the same time, the design was not expensive and met all the requirements, besides it had an attractive appearance. Thus, in Liepaja was created an interesting bridge from the point of view of technology, an analog of which is only in St. Petersburg.
Bridge as a tourist attraction
Oscar Kalpak's bridge is a tourist attraction in Liepaja. During the Second World War, important events developed around him, in connection with which he was damaged.
During the Soviet era, it was repaired, but the mechanism for turning the bridge was not completely restored. Near Oscar Kalpak soldiers were on duty in turn, who did not allow the penetration of civilians into the military city of Liepaja. At the same time, the bridge remained one of the most beloved places of local residents.
In 2009 the landmark was reconstructed and under the play of the local symphony orchestra was inaugurated. This was an important event in the life of the city.
Where is?
Oskar Kolpak bridge leads to the same street. On the other hand, to the bridge is the Atmodas Boulevard. The main guideline is the State Administration Baltijas Valstu Ūdenslīdēju mācību cents.