Motorists despair at St. Pete bridges

Spring has brought mixed blessings for Russians in St. Petersburg. Ice has gone from the River Neva, so ships and ferries are running again. But many motorists are stranded as draw bridges open for several hours a day.

Thousands of tourists flock to see the bridges open in Russia’s northern capital, but it often causes heavy traffic problems.

The river separates the city into three parts connected with draw bridges which are raised during most of the night. So if you fail to cross in time you may end up waiting for several hours before a bridge is lowered again.