Yakutia's Lena River Bridge Project Resumes with Spring 2026 Cofferdam Launch

Yakutia is moving forward with a major phase of its Lena River bridge project. Authorities plan to float cofferdams into position as part of the construction. The operation, originally set for last year, was delayed due to unforeseen challenges and will now take place in spring 2026.

The decision to postpone the cofferdam launch came after last year’s attempt was abandoned. Sediment buildup in the river blocked progress, forcing a costly dredging operation worth 500 million rubles. Officials now aim to use higher water levels during the spring flood to ensure a smooth installation.

A side cofferdam for pier No. 10 has already been fully assembled and stands ready for deployment. Two of the three planned cofferdams—one for pier No. 9 and another for pier No. 10—are prepared for launch. The river operation itself is scheduled for early to mid-June, depending on hydrological conditions. Vladimir Sivtsev, Yakutia’s Minister of Transport and Road Infrastructure, stressed the need to stick to deadlines. The use of floating cofferdams was chosen because of the project’s harsh environmental and logistical demands.

The cofferdam for pier No. 10 will be floated into the Lena River once water levels peak. This approach aims to avoid the complications faced in previous attempts. If successful, the operation will mark a key step in advancing the bridge’s construction timeline.