Kama bridge opened!

Opening of the bridge connection across the rivers Kama, Arkharovka and Kurlyanka in Tatarstan was held on October 18. Among the participants of the grand meeting were Tatarstan President M.Shaimiev, RF Minister of transport S.Frank, RF Minister of property F.Gazizoullin, RT Prime Minister R.Minnikhanov, Chairman of the RT State Council F.Mukhametshin, RT Minister of transport and roads V.Shvetsov, other officials.

President Shaimiev called the opening of the bridge a historical event. We henceforth "untie a tight knot of problems" not only in Tatarstan, but also in Russia. The bridge will reduce distances, promote economic development. The head of the republic congratulated the builders of the bridge and all those who contributed to the joining of the Kama banks.

According to RF Minister of transport S.Frank, the bridge is a construction of "the European calibre". Its completion became possible only due to serious capital support of the Tatarstan leadership, it was under the constant control of the President of Government of the Russian Federation. The bridge is a serious contribution to the formation of uniform effective transport system of the Russian Federation which makes possible economic growth and integration of our economy in the global economic space.

Today it is possible to say that the bridge was built by the whole republic. Capacities available in Tatarstan allowed to realize the project, using both experience and new technologies. The Gorky Ship-yard made metal constructions of the bridge spans, hydraulic works were done by ZAO "Tattransgidromekhanizatsia", part of work was executed by the trust "Kazdorstroi". The bridge aross the Kama - the crucial part of the whole connection - was built by Bridge brigade N3 of OAO "Volgomost". Looking at the delicate outlines of the bridge and knowing that it is assembled from multiton constructions, we cannot but admire the work of these people. The bridge brigade N 113 had to do the uneasy site - bridges across Arkharovka and Kurlyanka, an overbridge at the traffic intersection. The total length of the bridge connection is 13967 m, including bridges: across the Kama - 1608 m, across the Arkharovka river - 549,9 m and the Kurlyanka river - 69,8 m.

The bridge has effectively connected 15 administrative districts of the republic, centre of Russia to Orenburg, Middle Ural, Siberia, Far East, states of Central Asia. The estimated carrying capacity of the bridge is up to 7,000 automobiles a day. In expert opinion, the invested finances will be repaid in three years. It will reduce the distance of transportations and time of cargoe delivery, raise efficiency of transport use.

The meeting on the Kama was ended by farewell hooters of ferries and a salute.