Heavy truck spotted on unopened Yalu River bridge, stokes rumors of opening

On September 20, a heavy truck was observed traversing the unfinished New Yalu River Bridge, connecting North Korea's Sinuiju and China's Dandong, according to a source. The truck, partially obscured by a dark cover, headed towards the North Korean side of the four-lane structure. Construction of the bridge commenced in October 2011 and concluded in October 2014, but the bridge remains unutilized as North Korea failed to complete the requisite facilities on its end.

This marks the first instance of a heavy truck being spotted on the 3,024-meter bridge, prompting speculation about a potential test run before an anticipated opening ceremony in early October. Local Chinese residents have also reported increased vehicle activity on the bridge, further fueling speculation about its imminent inauguration.

The Yonhap News Agency noted a work vehicle and small truck crossing into North Korea and back on September 8. On the North Korean side, a structure resembling a customs office and its adjacent roads appear largely finished. An electric vehicle, lacking license plates, and an excavator have been observed awaiting crossing on the Chinese side recently.