SHENYANG - A new bridge being built over a border river between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is expected to open next year, local authorities have said.

Major construction on the Yalu River Bridge will be finished this year, according to Zhang Tiemin, director of the Transport Department of Northeast China's Liaoning province.

Construction on the 3.026 km-long bridge began in 2010, with an investment of 2.22-billion yuan ($356 million), Zhang said.

The bridge is being built by both countries and will have four two-way lanes upon completion, according to an agreement signed by both sides in February 2010.

"The cross-border bridge will help boost communication and economic cooperation between the two countries," said Lyu Chao, a researcher with the Liaoning Provincial Academy of Social Sciences.

A bridge that was built in 1937 currently stands as the only bridge connecting both sides. Trucks weighing more than 20 tons are not allowed on the one-way bridge, restricting trade between both sides.

Related stories:

China-DPRK trade expo debuts in border city

China, DPRK promote economic zones

China, DPRK open new tourist route

China, DPRK pledge consolidation of friendship

First China-DPRK movie to be screened in August