Metal Bridge over the Dniester, Halych

The city of Halych in Ivano-Frankivsk region, located on the banks of the Dniester, is connected by a metal bridge. Currently, there are two bridges here: one new, for vehicles, built in the 1980s, and the second one – an old pedestrian bridge. This description refers to the latter. It is one of the architectural landmarks and a unique feature that the residents of Halych can be proud of. The metal bridge over the Dniester in Halych was constructed over a century ago.

The metal bridge in Halych was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Before that, its wooden predecessor connected the banks, located upstream. However, floods that often occurred here in spring gradually destroyed it.

A serious need for reliable communication across the river arose when the construction of the strategic highway "Chernivtsi – Stanislav – Halych – Lviv" began. The planned road was to cross the city center. Additionally, the freight traffic on the "Lviv – Chernivtsi" railway was constantly increasing. The new transport routes stimulated the economic development of Halych, while the wooden bridge could no longer meet such demands.

The Krakow design bureau of the Zalinevsky machine factory began developing a new technical project in 1900, and between 1910 and 1912, the metal bridge was already constructed.

During World War I, the bridge was destroyed, but it was soon restored. At the beginning of World War II, during the retreat, Soviet troops blew up the structure. The then German authorities repaired the bridge using forced labor. The repair work was carried out manually by Jews who were rounded up from Halych and the surrounding areas. With the retreat of the German troops, the bridge was blown up again, marking the third time in its existence.

In 1953, a major restoration of the bridge took place. For three decades, it was used for vehicle traffic on the highway "Ivano-Frankivsk – Lviv". After a new bridge appeared in 1984, the metal bridge from the early 20th century was converted into a pedestrian bridge. In 2006, the city authorities of independent Ukraine began a major renovation. However, the funds allocated at that time were scarce, so initially, only the side pedestrian path was repaired.

A few years ago, a comprehensive replacement of the entire bridge deck was made, wooden planks were purchased and laid, the metal supporting beam was replaced, and asphalt was laid. Now both the residents of Halych and guests can stroll peacefully across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the river and surroundings.

Technical specifications: the length of the bridge is 312 meters, with 4 stone supports, and the distance between the supports is 52, 63, 76, and 55 meters. The structure consists of intricate metal forms, fastened together with rivets. The bridge is open only to pedestrians. Traffic barriers have been installed on both sides to restrict vehicle access. Recently, a memorial sign for navigation – an anchor found at the bottom of the river, which reminds everyone that the Dniester was once navigable – was opened on the side of the city center.

You can reach the metal bridge over the Dniester in Halych via the N09 highway. If you are entering the city by car from the north (from the side of Lviv, Rohatyn, Burshtyn), you should stop where the Okrugna (also known as Lvivska) street turns right towards the new bridge. The landmark is the stadium. The same route can be taken by those arriving at the railway station. If you are departing from the central part of Halych, the exit to the bridge begins with a pedestrian path from Rizdva Square (the Church of the Nativity of Christ will be on your right).