The controversial bridge across the Kerch Strait connects the Taman Peninsula (Russia) and Crimea, making it the country's longest road bridge at 19 kilometers.
Its budget, which totals 4,000 million dollars It illustrates the scale of «the construction of the century,» as it is known in the region, which has reached a very significant milestone in its timeline: the hoisting of the structure’s main arch—undoubtedly the most complex process of the entire project.
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Specifically, the arch is a structure made of 227 meters long and 45 meters high, weighing nearly 5,500 metric tons, making it the first bridge in Russia to be transported by sea and raised to a height of 35 meters above sea level; the operation was completed in just 54 hours and involved the collaboration of more than 150 professionals.
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Based on forecasts and given the current pace of construction, vehicle traffic will be able to proceed on December 2018, with rail traffic to be scheduled for the following year.
