It’s got rolling hills and a seaside view. Now, with a new gigantic cable bridge, the far eastern city of Vladivostok has come one step closer to realising the dream of becoming Russia’s San Francisco.
Never mind the gangland- style killings, accusations of corruption and shoddy work – for now the city is basking in the glory of being home to one of the world’s longest suspension bridges.
“It is just a beautiful structure, embodying the genius of engineering,” Dmitry Medvedev, the prime minister, said at the opening ceremony. It spans 1,185m from Vladivostok to Russky (Russian) Island, whose 5,000 inhabitants had until now been cut off from the mainland. The city will host a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Community on the Island in September. – (Guardian service)