![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/korea\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/4-1.jpg\"\/)
Newly constructed facilities at the Russian border crossing as seen on Aug. 22, 2026 | Image: Plane Labs, edited by NK News<\/p>\n
The Russian checkpoint was estimated to be 65% completed<\/a> as of last month, ahead of the bridge\u2019s expected opening in early September.<\/p>\n The new canopies are not the only additions set to increase the project\u2019s total cost. Similar procurement records show that Rosgranstroy tasked Moscow-based proprietor Pavel Zakipnykh with conducting an \u201cexpert examination\u201d of the crossing\u2019s modular buildings for $600,000 last week.<\/p>\n The border construction authority also sought subcontractors to supply and install diesel generators and fuel storage for $1.3 million, conduct an expert analysis of the security system for $500,000, install information and navigation signs for $2.3 million and provide a modular electrical substation for another $500,000.<\/p>\n NK Pro previously reported that the checkpoint\u2019s officially disclosed costs quickly ballooned<\/a> far above the initial budget of some $100 million<\/a> Moscow set aside in early 2025, reaching at least $173 million<\/a> by Jan. 2026.<\/p>\n Russia and North Korea were expected to open the crossing by June 19, the second anniversary of the 2024 Vladimir Putin-Kim Jong Un summit, but the project faced delays. The two sides officially connected<\/a> their respective sections of the bridge in April.<\/p>\n In late July, a Russian official from the bordering Khasan settlement said<\/a> the opening would take place some time in early September, possibly to coincide with the Sept. 1-4<\/a> Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, with Putin expected to attend.<\/p>\n It is not clear whether Putin\u2019s agenda will include the bridge\u2019s opening ceremony or if the project has even been completed.\u00a0<\/p>\n