Lena Bridge construction hits key milestone with first cofferdam deployment

Construction of the Lena Bridge has entered a critical phase as crews prepare to install the first cofferdam in the river. The operation, involving around 20 tug-and-barge vessels, marks a major step forward in the project. Builders aim to complete the cofferdam placement and pile foundations for the bridge piers by late 2026. Two cofferdams have already been made buoyant and secured for the upcoming operation. However, plans have since changed—only one will be positioned in the river this year, rather than the two initially reported. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that this cofferdam will support the construction of Pier No. 10.

The deployment will take place in two stages, with the first scheduled for early June and the second in early July. Tugboats will guide the structure into place, where it will be fixed using shore-based pile anchors. To ensure accuracy, dredging work must first reach depths of up to eight metres below the riverbed.

The dredger Vitim (Project 1-517-03) has been mobilised for this task, with a second dredger held in reserve. Once the cofferdam is securely anchored, crews will begin constructing the pile foundations needed for the bridge’s support structures. The successful placement of the cofferdam will allow construction of the bridge’s piers to move forward. With the deadline set for late 2026, the operation’s precision and timing remain critical. Further stages of the project will depend on the outcome of this initial river-based work.