Russia and North Korea began construction of a 4.7-kilometer road bridge spanning the Tumen River between Khasan, Russia and Rason, North Korea. The bridge is expected to be completed in 18 months.

Russia and North Korea have described the building of a bridge connecting the two countries as a 'significant occasion,' strengthening their 'friendly relations', Korean state media KCNA reported on May 1.

The 4.7-kilometer (3 miles) road bridge will span the Tumen River and cross the border between Russia and North Korea. The bridge is expected to be completed in 18 months time, with a border checkpoint nearby to facilitate crossings.

The construction of the motor bridge serves as a significant occasion in adding fresh dynamics to the development of the friendly relations between the two countries.

The ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the bridge, which took place on April 30 in Khasan and Rason, Russian and North Korean borderland cities, was attended by high-ranking officials from Pyongyang and Moscow.

The construction of a road bridge across the Tumanna River in Primorsky Krai of the Russian Federation has begun. It will connect Russia and the DPRK.

The bridge, which is being built by a Sochi company, is expected to be completed in a year and a half.

Currently, only railroad and air service is available between Russia and the DPRK.

The new road bridge will increase cargo traffic and develop passenger transportation.

The total length of the bridge crossing, including access roads, is 4.7 km.

The length of the bridge itself is one kilometer.

Of this, 424 meters are on the Russian side and 581 meters on the Korean side.

The bridge is 7 meters wide and has two traffic lanes.