Central Cofferdam Work Starts on Yakutia's Lena Bridge

The first elements of the central cofferdam for the Lena Bridge have begun to be installed in Yakutsk. Construction is proceeding around the clock thanks to specially equipped workshops and shelters. This was reported by the press service of the VIS Group of Companies.

The press service clarified that the central support of the bridge is a huge pylon over 284 meters high. Work on constructing its supports includes installing elements of metal cofferdam structures. A total of three cofferdams are planned to hold the bridge spans over the Lena River. About ten thousand metal structures are being used in the assembly.

A cofferdam is a temporary enclosure that allows construction work to be carried out in a dry pit underwater for building supports. Unlike traditional methods, the use of floating cofferdams (as on the Lena Bridge) helps to shorten construction timelines and work efficiently during the short northern summer.

According to the VIS Group, the first cofferdam has been fully assembled, the second — the central one — is at the stage of large-block assembly, and the bottom of the third has been assembled so far.

Working in the weather conditions is difficult but possible, the VIS Group of Companies states. Initially, they discussed timelines — the first cofferdam will be lowered to the bottom of the Lena River closer to June, when the period of active ice drift has passed.

What stages of bridge construction will take place this year were explained by the region«s Ministry of Transport.

In October 2024, construction of the Lena Bridge began — the first bored pile was drilled and poured at that time. The project will cost the budget — both federal and republican — 174.8 billion rubles (approximately $1.75 billion at current rates). The amount has been officially included in the federal road program and the master plan for the development of Yakutsk city. Specifically, the republic must invest 27.3 billion rubles (approximately $273 million at current rates). We have compiled the entire history of the construction of the Lena Bridge in the territory of Yakutsk and the village of Staraya Tabaga in a single story.