Project Profile: Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye Railway Bridge

The Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye Railway Bridge is a critical cross-border infrastructure project connecting the national rail networks of China and Russia across the Amur River (Heilongjiang River). This profile details the technical specifications and strategic importance of the bridge, a key component of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor. As the first cross-river railway bridge between the two nations, it provides a vital, all-weather logistics channel for Eurasian trade.

Technical Specifications

The bridge’s primary structure is a steel truss design engineered to withstand the extreme environmental conditions of the region, where winter temperatures can fall below -40°C. A key technical feature is its dual-gauge track system, accommodating both China’s 1435 mm standard gauge and Russia’s 1520 mm broad gauge. This design eliminates the need for time-consuming bogie exchange at the border, enabling seamless freight transit and maximizing logistical efficiency. The Chinese section of the bridge measures 1,886 meters, with the remaining portion on the Russian side.

Construction presented significant engineering challenges, particularly during winter. To ensure project continuity and concrete quality, contractors erected a 10,000-square-meter temporary, heated greenhouse over the construction site. This innovative enclosure, maintained at 15°C with boilers, allowed for concrete mixing with warm water and continuous work despite the freezing external temperatures, ensuring the project’s structural integrity and adherence to schedule.

Key Takeaways

• New Eurasian Trade Corridor: The bridge establishes the first year-round, cross-river rail link between China’s northeast and the Russian Far East, shortening the rail journey from Heilongjiang to Moscow by approximately 809 km and reducing transit time by over 10 hours.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Anchor: As a flagship project of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, it significantly enhances Eurasian connectivity under the BRI framework, strengthening a key overland trade route.
• Strengthened Bilateral Logistics: The bridge alleviates logistical bottlenecks at existing land ports like Manzhouli and Suifenhe, diversifies transport routes away from seasonal river shipping, and directly supports growing bilateral trade in commodities such as iron ore, coal, and fertilizer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye bridge open for traffic?
The Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye railway bridge officially opened for traffic in November 2022, after its main construction was completed in August 2021 and subsequent tracklaying and testing were finalized.

Who built the China-Russia Amur River railway bridge?
The construction was a collaborative effort. The Chinese section was built by the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group (MBEC), while the Russian section was constructed by the SK Most Group. AECOM served as a technical consultant for the Russian portion.