Cast iron pavement

The manager of the steamship plant A.S. Sokolov during his stay in the United States became interested in cast-iron pavements, designed by engineer Knapp in New York and Boston. According to the samples brought by Sokolov from America, the steamship plant made test castings and paved the yard plot. Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich, who inspected the paved courtyard in 1860, ordered to arrange, as an experience, a pavement on one of the streets with busy traffic. The cast-iron plates perfectly withstood the harsh winter of 1860-1861 on a 160-meter-long section near Penkov Bridge.

Metal bridge interested specialists. At the seeming high cost, it is economically profitable due to its strength.

In 1862, several more bridges were equipped, which were successfully operated for more than 100 years. In 1974-1975, sections of the cast-iron bridge were restored along the Anchor Square and on the segment of October Street and became one of the attractions of the city.