Construction of the Narvinsky Tunnel in Russia’s Primorye Territory is progressing well with as many as 40 people currently employed at the site. The work is on schedule; there have been no delays, Alexander Martynov, the general director of the contractor, Primavtodor, told reporters, adding that they work every day in two shifts.

At present, the concrete-lined subfloor and vault sections are being built, the lighting system has already been installed and the finishing work on the portals is about to begin, Mr Martynov said.

The Narvinsky Tunnel, which is due to open in autumn 2015, is part of a programme to preserve the Far Eastern leopard population. Located at the 76th km of Khasan-Razdolnoye motorway, it will allow animals to move safely from one part of their habitat, now bisected by the road, into the other. The tunnel’s northern and southern sections were connected at the end of last year.