Russia and North Korea Announce First-Ever Road Bridge Across Tumen River

Russia and North Korea Begin Construction of First-Ever Road Bridge Across Tumen River

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song participated in a videoconference ceremony on April 30, 2025, marking the official start of construction for a new road bridge across the Tumen River, according to the Russian government. The bridge will connect Russia’s Primorye Territory with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), representing the first-ever road link between the two countries.

At present, only a railway bridge and air links operate between Russia and North Korea. The new road bridge is expected to enhance cargo flows and facilitate the development of passenger transport.

The total length of the bridge, including approach roads, is 4.7 kilometres. The bridge itself spans 1 kilometre, with the Russian section measuring 424 metres and the Korean section 581 metres. The width of the bridge is 7 metres, accommodating two traffic lanes. A vehicle checkpoint will be established near the bridge.

The estimated construction period is one and a half years. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin described the project as a “significant milestone” in Russia-North Korea relations, emphasizing its role in creating a reliable foundation for closer cooperation, open dialogue, and increased people-to-people exchanges.

The Khasan-Tumangang Bridge, as it is known, is currently under construction and will serve as an international road bridge across the Tumen River on the North Korea-Russia border upon completion.