According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), North Korea and Russia have begun preliminary construction on a border bridge over the Tumen River, a project agreed upon during their summit last June.
Satellite imagery captured by SI Analytics on March 3 shows ongoing construction along a 300-meter (984-foot)stretch near the Russian border. Yellow structures, believed to be the foundations for bridge pillars, are visible on the frozen Tumen River. Construction materials have also been spotted near the site.
On the North Korean side, heavy machinery, including trucks, cars, and bulldozers, has been deployed near the construction site, indicating active groundwork.
According to the satellite images, the total construction area encompasses the Tumen River bridge and is approximately 830 meters (2,723 feet) wide.
Previously, Russian news agency Interfax reported that authorities had contracted Tunnelstroy to design and build the bridge, setting a completion deadline of December 31, 2026.
SI Analytics expects foundation work to be finished before the spring thaw, paving the way for the installation of bridge pillars. The firm suggests that Russia expedites construction, even in extreme winter conditions, to demonstrate visible progress.
The comprehensive strategic partnership agreement North Korea and Russia signed at their June summit in Pyongyang included the Tumen River bridge project.