Russian Construction Makes Progress Toward Bridge Opening 

Commercial satellite imagery shows increased activity on the Russian side of the new road bridge to North Korea in Tumangang. Ahead of the expected bridge opening in June, the North Korean customs area appeared complete, but progress on the Russian complex lagged far behind. Since then, the pace of construction and activity around the site has picked up, the bridge’s projected opening date revised to September.  

Significant progress has been made on the larger buildings at the Russian customs area. On imagery from late June, the frame of one of the main buildings was clearly visible, but by early August, imagery shows the exterior appears to be nearing completion.  

Large sections of concrete have been laid around the entrance to the customs area. Road work appears to be underway in the 370-meter span connecting the complex to the bridge. Large stores of construction materials are still visible throughout the site, indicating much more work remains, which may include additional buildings.