During a working visit to Yakutia, Russian Deputy Prosecutor General Viktor Melnik inspected the construction sites for the Lena Bridge, which is being built under the direction of the President of Russia as part of the “Infrastructure for Life” national project. This is one of the country's largest concession projects implemented with federal budget co-financing. VIS Group acts as the concessionaire, investor, and general contractor, delivering this large-scale project on a turnkey basis.
Active construction work began in October 2024 with the installation of the first bored pile for Pier #4 of the bridge's left-bank approach road. Sergey Yudin, CEO of VIS Group, outlined the results achieved so far and the plans for the remainder of the year. Work is proceeding simultaneously on both banks. Approximately 500 personnel and 100 units of machinery are deployed across four operational sites. To date, the overall construction progress for the entire project – encompassing not only the bridge crossing itself but also the adjacent road infrastructure – is estimated at nearly 13%.
“This summer, the project entered one of its most complex phases: operations within the Lena River channel. In June, a floating cofferdam for the bridge pylon near the right bank was moved into position; it will soon be set in its final design location. In July, the second and largest cofferdam, intended for the central pylon, was also moved directly into its design position. Our construction teams were the first in Russia to carry out this sort of river-based operation. Preparations are now underway to begin drilling inside the dry zone created within the riverbed,” said Sergey Yudin.
Construction crews are currently assembling the third and final cofferdam for the pylon near the left bank; 285 out of 1,707.5 tons of steel structures have already been installed. Concurrently, work continues on the bored piles for the bridge piers and the approach roads. To date, nearly 30% (256 out of 920) of the bored piles have been installed, with five drilling rigs currently in operation. Pile foundations are ready for 11 of the 26 piers specified in the project design; one pier has been fully constructed, and two more are scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Work is also underway on the embankment for the right-bank approach road; over 570,000 m³ of sand have been laid for the roadbed, which is 20% of the total volume required.
Viktor Melnik noted that the project holds long-term significance for regional development and improving the quality of life for local residents, while the use of unique technologies elevates the domestic construction industry to a new, higher level.
This three-pylon cable-stayed bridge is the first of its kind in the world to be built in the Arctic climate zone. It is designed to provide year-round road connectivity between the parts of Yakutia separated by the Lena River, generating significant economic benefits, fostering development across all sectors, and improving transport accessibility for 87% of the republic's population. Once the facility is commissioned, the concessionaire will handle the commercial and technical operation of the infrastructure until 2048. During this same period, the region will gradually settle its financial obligations to the investor. Thus, the concession model enables the construction of a major infrastructure project despite budget constraints, allowing the bridge to be used while payments to the investor are made over time.
Active construction work began in October 2024 with the installation of the first bored pile for Pier #4 of the bridge's left-bank approach road. Sergey Yudin, CEO of VIS Group, outlined the results achieved so far and the plans for the remainder of the year. Work is proceeding simultaneously on both banks. Approximately 500 personnel and 100 units of machinery are deployed across four operational sites. To date, the overall construction progress for the entire project – encompassing not only the bridge crossing itself but also the adjacent road infrastructure – is estimated at nearly 13%.
“This summer, the project entered one of its most complex phases: operations within the Lena River channel. In June, a floating cofferdam for the bridge pylon near the right bank was moved into position; it will soon be set in its final design location. In July, the second and largest cofferdam, intended for the central pylon, was also moved directly into its design position. Our construction teams were the first in Russia to carry out this sort of river-based operation. Preparations are now underway to begin drilling inside the dry zone created within the riverbed,” said Sergey Yudin.
Construction crews are currently assembling the third and final cofferdam for the pylon near the left bank; 285 out of 1,707.5 tons of steel structures have already been installed. Concurrently, work continues on the bored piles for the bridge piers and the approach roads. To date, nearly 30% (256 out of 920) of the bored piles have been installed, with five drilling rigs currently in operation. Pile foundations are ready for 11 of the 26 piers specified in the project design; one pier has been fully constructed, and two more are scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Work is also underway on the embankment for the right-bank approach road; over 570,000 m³ of sand have been laid for the roadbed, which is 20% of the total volume required.
Viktor Melnik noted that the project holds long-term significance for regional development and improving the quality of life for local residents, while the use of unique technologies elevates the domestic construction industry to a new, higher level.
This three-pylon cable-stayed bridge is the first of its kind in the world to be built in the Arctic climate zone. It is designed to provide year-round road connectivity between the parts of Yakutia separated by the Lena River, generating significant economic benefits, fostering development across all sectors, and improving transport accessibility for 87% of the republic's population. Once the facility is commissioned, the concessionaire will handle the commercial and technical operation of the infrastructure until 2048. During this same period, the region will gradually settle its financial obligations to the investor. Thus, the concession model enables the construction of a major infrastructure project despite budget constraints, allowing the bridge to be used while payments to the investor are made over time.
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