Throughout the history of civilization, bridges have been constructed to connect cities across waterways and over unfavorable terrain so that trade and empires could flourish. But bridges also provide opportunities for cities to show their economic might and engineering capabilities. Many have become icons of cities, regions and entire countries. The Russky Bridge in Vladivostok is Russia’s latest pride.

Russky Bridge is located off the coast of Vladivostok, in the Peter the Great Gulf, across the narrow strait of Eastern Bosphorus, connecting the large wooded island of Russky to the city. During the Soviet era, the island was primarily of military importance because of the way it shielded Vladivostok from the south. For most of the past 150 years, the Russians held numerous military units in forts and batteries that are spread out over a massive area. Until recently, even the inhabitants of Vladivostok had to get a special permit in order to visit the island.

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