In 1842-1850 the fist permanent bridge across the Neva River was constructed on the place of the present Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge. Bridge's construction was originally decorated with molded railings and featured St. Nicholas chapel built by architect Stakenschneider. The chapel gave this bridge its name - Nikolaevsky. For about 100 years the bridge stood without reconstruction but in 1936-1938 as a result of increased traffic and river navigation it was completely rebuilt under guidance of professor G.P. Perederia (main engineer of this project). The chapel was pulled down, but the other details of the former bridge were used economically. The old bridge's cast-iron arches were used to build a bridge over the Volga River in the Russian city of Tver. The antique lanterns now decorate Mars Field in Saint Petersburg.
Fortunately, the beautiful and ornate cast-iron railings were salvaged from the old Nikolaevsky Bridge and now decorate the sides of Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge. These beautiful railings are adorned with images of ornate sea horses, Neptune's tridents and conventionalized plant motives. The bridge also offers fine panoramic views of the city's historical center with Admiralty building, St. Isaac's Cathedral and picturesque University Embankments.
The Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge is decorated with two pavilions and illuminated with lamps on the high lampposts. Its gently rising spans create a striking silhouette. In general, the Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge has a total of eight spans with the two middle spans drawing up under the power of an electrical system.
The bridge is named after famous Russian Black Sea Naval Fleet Lieutenant Pyotr Schmidt who was shot for organizing an uprising at the Russian seaport of Sevastopol in 1905. A memorial in his honor hangs on the wall of the pavilion near the central part of the bridge.