Traffic on the new bridge over the Angara became two way today for the first time

The new bridge has begun strength testing. A convoy of loaded KamAZ trucks was driven across it, and specialists are measuring deflection, vibrations, and deformation on each span. The checks will last several days and should confirm the reliability of the structure, which, according to the designer, will last more than one hundred years if used properly. The bridge is already 95 percent complete, but lighting installation, laying the second asphalt layer, and fixing remaining issues still lie ahead.

But not for everyone. The structure has begun to be tested for strength. To be safe, it must withstand the tests. A special commission arrived to inspect the facility according to several parameters at once.
First 6 loaded KamAZ trucks, then two more are added. The convoy of vehicles, each weighing up to 20 tons, slowly moves along the bridge lane that had not been used before. Stops are made at each span. At this time, specialists carry out the corresponding measurements - bridge deflection, dynamic vibrations, various deformations. For this event, the chief structural design engineer of the spans, Fyodor Vinokur, arrived from the capital.
Fyodor Vinokur has no doubts about the reliability of the bridge and is confident that, with proper operation, it will last a hundred years, if not more. It is important that the asphalt surface on the crossing be of high quality. By the way, the bridge has already passed one test with "excellent" - the August earthquake.
The inspections will last several days. Today the load was applied to the first spans, tomorrow they will inspect the part of the bridge that runs directly over the Angara riverbed.
According to specialists, the bridge is 95 percent complete. All that remains is to install the lighting poles and lay the second layer of asphalt on the last 500 meters — this section was not finished before the onset of cold weather.
These works will take at least a year. While the access roads are being built, all the unfinished work on the bridge itself will be completed - the second layer of asphalt will be laid, the barrier will be installed, and lighting will be provided.