NK News reported on Wednesday that construction of the Tumen River Bridge, which links North Korea and Russia, is underway, with North Korea beginning foundation work for a border checkpoint.
According to NK News‘ analysis of satellite imagery from Planet Labs, North Korea started laying bridge pillar foundations in late May. By early June, significant progress was evident, including the installation of concrete frameworks for the first and second floors of the bridge structure.
Satellite images captured on July 5 reveal the installation of concrete walls and crossbeams at a site presumed to be a border checkpoint on the North Korean side of the Tumen River.
Comparing these recent images with those taken by Planet Labs at the end of May shows substantial progress in the construction efforts.
In contrast, the Russian side of the Tumen River exhibits only limited construction activity, with work focused on laying foundations for bridge pillars.
While reports suggest that the checkpoint on the Russian side will be significantly larger than its North Korean counterpart, NK News notes that Russia does not appear to be expediting its construction efforts.
Previously, NK News reported that Russia plans to construct customs facilities on a 20-hectare site (roughly equivalent to 24 soccer fields) near the Tumen River Bridge, with an estimated budget of $40 million. This project is slated for completion by year-end. In comparison, the checkpoint on the North Korean side is reported to cover a mere 5 hectares.
Experts interpret North Korea’s accelerated construction of the Tumen River Bridge as an indication of a more proactive stance in its diplomatic and economic relations with Russia.
Peter Ward, a researcher at the Sejong Institute, told NK News that North Korea likely prioritizes the bridge construction over Russia due to its pressing need to import various goods from its northern neighbor.
In late April, North Korea and Russia initiated the construction of a vehicle bridge across the Tumen River, with plans to complete it by mid-next year at a total cost of $ 115 million. This infrastructure project, which includes access roads, will span approximately 4.7 kilometers (2.92 miles), featuring a 7-meter-wide (approximately 23 feet) main structure that stretches 1 kilometer (approximately 0.62 miles) in length. Russia is responsible for constructing 424 meters (approximately 0.26 mile) of the bridge, while North Korea will build the remaining 581 meters (approximately 0.36 mile). The bridge is scheduled for completion in June of next year, potentially marking a significant development in North Korea-Russia relations.