Russky Bridge

The bridge was built between 2008 and 2012 for the APEC summit held on Russky Island, and it held the record for the longest cable-stayed main span in the world until 2025, about 1104 metres, between pylons of around 320 metres, the second-tallest bridge pylons after those of the Millau Viaduct. It crosses the Eastern Bosphorus, the strait between Vladivostok and the island, in conditions that made the engineering difficult: typhoons, sea ice, and winds that required the cables to be fitted with damping. There are 168 cables, the longest of them around 580 metres. On a clear day the whole structure reads from the hills above the city; in fog, which is common in June and July, the pylons vanish and only the deck shows. There is no pedestrian walkway, so you either drive across or look at it from the shore - the viewpoints on the Vladivostok side and from Novosilsky Cape on the island are the usual spots. The island beyond has the federal university campus, beaches and disused coastal fortifications.

What you'll find

• The record span - about 1104 metres, the longest cable-stayed main span anywhere until 2025.
• The pylons - two towers of around 320 metres carrying 168 cables.
• The fog - summer sea fog that hides the towers and leaves the deck floating.
• The strait - the Eastern Bosphorus between the city and Russky Island.

When to go

June to September, though summer fog is frequent; autumn is clearer. One hour for the viewpoints.

Practical notes

There is no footway, so you cannot walk it. Fog in June and July can hide it entirely for days. The viewpoints require a car or a bus and a walk. The island beyond is large and spread out with limited transport.

Nearby

Russky Island's forts and beaches are across the bridge; Vladivostok's Golden Bridge crosses the Golden Horn in the city.

Key facts