The Most Dangerous Bridge in Russia

The Vitim Bridge has unofficially but deservedly earned the reputation of being the most dangerous in Russia. This structure was built in the late 1980s as a temporary railway crossing over the river during the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM). However, it was later abandoned. Both local and visiting drivers constantly use it to cross from one bank of the Vitim River to the other, as there are no other crossings for hundreds of kilometers around.
The bridge connects Buryatia with the Zabaikalsky Krai. Perhaps, this has predetermined its fate, as neither Ulan-Ude nor Chita are willing to take responsibility for the Vitim Bridge. They are hesitant to relinquish their rights to it but also unwilling to spend on repairs or restoration. Despite the danger and warning signs, drivers continue to use the most perilous bridge in Russia.