Yakutia's Ambitious Bridge Project Delays Floating Cofferdam Launch to 2026

Yakutia is preparing to float two large cofferdams into the Lena River as part of a major bridge construction project. The operation, delayed until spring 2026, will use floating cofferdams for the first time in Russian bridge-building due to the region’s challenging conditions. The project involves two cofferdams, one for pier No. 9 and another for pier No. 10. The side cofferdam for pier No. 10 is now fully assembled and ready for launch. However, its deployment depends on the spring flood, which will provide the higher water levels needed to float it into position.

Originally, the operation was set for last year, but sediment buildup in the river forced a postponement. Dredging the obstruction would have been too expensive, leading officials to reschedule for 2026. The river work itself is now planned for early to mid-June, once the ice drift has passed and water levels peak.

VIS Group, the project’s general contractor, is overseeing the construction. Vladimir Sivtsev, Yakutia’s Minister of Transport and Road Infrastructure, has stressed the importance of sticking to the new timeline. The floating cofferdams represent a new approach for Russian bridge construction, chosen to handle the harsh conditions of the Lena River. With the operation now set for spring 2026, the project aims to avoid last year’s delays and proceed without costly dredging work.