In Vitebsk, one of the most complex stages of the construction of the Polotsk overpass has begun.

Builders have begun constructing foundations for the future supports of the new Polotsk overpass between railway tracks in Vitebsk, as reported to BELTA by the project manager, Mikhail Kazurov, Head of the Technical Supervision Department of the Capital Construction Department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

All work at construction site No. 1 in Vitebsk is proceeding according to schedule, and there are no funding issues. In the summer, the construction of bridge supports began from the Titova Street side, and builders are also continuing to grout joints between spans from Kosmonavtov Street.

"Currently, bridge builders are constructing foundations for supports between the railway tracks. This is quite complex work, as trains must run on schedule, and builders must complete everything on time. We plan to complete the supports near the railway tracks from the Kosmonavtov Street side by the end of October. In November, bridge units will begin constructing them in the inter-track space from the Titova Street side. Winter frosts do not deter us; we will use modern technologies for all work. We expect the supports to be ready in March, after which the installation of span structure beams will commence. We will also begin laying tram tracks in the spring of 2020," noted Mikhail Kazurov.

Until recently, employees from two divisions of OJSC "Mostostroy" were involved in the construction of the Polotsk overpass: MSU No. 7 from Grodno and Vitebsk MSU No. 5. Starting tomorrow, colleagues from Mogilev MSU No. 1 will join them. Specialists from Vitebsk DSK, Mechanized Column No. 43 of Vitebsk, Tiraspol PMK, and the branch SMP-169 of OJSC "Dorstroy-montazhtrest" have been engaged for the relocation of utility networks and related works. Ultimately, at least 120 people will be working on the site.

From September 10, a section of Leningradskaya Street with an exit to Michurina Street will be closed for construction work. During this period, several passages will be organized for residents of Lokomotivnaya Street and adjacent areas.

Construction of the Polotsk overpass began in 2010, but after some time, work was suspended due to a lack of funding. In December 2018, specialists resumed work. It is planned that the length of the future bridge with multi-level interchanges will exceed 400 m, and its width will be 45 m. The overpass will feature two lanes in each direction and tram tracks. A pedestrian crossing and several parking areas, including those for buses, will be added later. The bridge is being built above the existing one, which will allow for the electrification of this section of the railway in the future if necessary. A total of approximately Br100 million is required to complete the work. Br40 million is planned to be utilized this year, with the remainder in 2020. All work is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.

The Polotsk overpass is a central transit artery connecting Kosmonavtov Avenue with Titov and Leningradskaya streets. These streets ensure both internal and external connections of the Vitebsk road network towards Polotsk, Gorodok, and Saint Petersburg. The bridge had been in a state of disrepair for over 10 years. Following a request from the prosecutor's office, an inspection was carried out, and specialists determined that further operation of the bridge was impossible. Traffic for vehicles and pedestrians was closed on November 15, 2018.

News of Belarus (BELTA)