Construction on a new bridge over a river separating China and its close ally North Korea has started, Chinese officials said today.
With a total investment of 137 million yuan (USD 21.93 million) the 804.7-metre new Tumen River bridge is expected to open in 2015 or 2016 as a new route for bilateral trade, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The old Tumen River bridge has not been repaired for many years and is facing safety risks.
However, the old bridge will not be dismantled and will be preserved as a scenic spot, it said.
Tumen city is linked to North Korea by both highway and railway.
China is North Korea's only major ally and its biggest trading partner.
