Bridging east and west - elegant new Siberian landmark opened by president

This spectacular new bridge in Novosibirsk is a great new feature on the Siberian landscape. Crossing the Ob, the world's seventh longest river, was a matter of supreme importance in linking east with west in Russian history and the new bridge - the third in Novosibirsk - comes as the country emphasises the importance of its Asian face. 

The first bridge - carrying the Trans-Siberian Railway -  opened in 1897 spurring the growth of Novonikolaevsk, the tsarist-era name of Novosibirsk.

The president of Sibmost bridge building company Albert Koshkin explained about the new crossing: 'The arch span is 380 metres, which makes it the biggest in Europe. The arch design is unique, with metal contour and shrouds inside it.'

President Vladimir Putin - who arrived in the city after a day off in the Siberian taiga to mark his 62nd birthday - said: 'This is a very important facility for the development of infrastructure in Siberia'.

The $420 million Bugrinsky bridge has a total length of 5.4 kilometres, according to Itar-Tass. It will ease chronic traffic problems in Siberia's largest city.

The bridge is one of many landmark infrastructure projects across Siberia reflecting the government's goal of making development of the east of the country a national priority for the 21st century. The third crossing has been three decades in the planning. 

The total length of the metal guys connecting the arch with the bridge is 9 kilometres. 

Putin used his visit to Novosibirsk to demand a higher standard of road building in Russia. 

'This is a never-ending and always topical subject everywhere, and in Russia all the more so,' he said.

'We all know what a pressing issue this is, and how vitally important it is for our country's life. Economic growth, business competitiveness, comprehensive regional development and successful achievement of our social goals are all directly dependent on our ability to resolve this issue'.