Heavy truck crosses unopened New Yalu River Bridge, fueling opening speculation

A source confirmed that on Sunday a heavy truck, its cargo concealed by a dark cover, crossed the New Yalu River Bridge toward the North Korean side, representing the first heavy-vehicle passage since the bridge's construction ended in October 2014. Residents near the bridge in China have noted recent vehicle movements, and on Sept. 8 a work vehicle and a small truck were seen making trips across. The North Korean approach now appears almost complete, with a customs office and surrounding roads nearing finish, while electric vehicles without license plates and an excavator have been observed waiting on the Chinese side.

These signs have reignited speculation about a test run ahead of a formal opening, with some observers proposing Oct. 5 or 6 as possible dates, coinciding with the 77th anniversary of North Korea-China diplomatic relations. The bridge, linking Sinuiju and Dandong, could significantly enhance cross-border trade if inaugurated, though no official schedule has been announced.