Hålogaland Bridge

Hålogaland Bridge under construction. August 2016.
Photo: TorbjørnS (2016)
Construction of the bridge. June 2015.
Photo: TorbjørnS (2015)

Hålogaland Bridge (Norwegian: Hålogalandsbrua) is a suspension bridge under construction which will cross the Rombaksfjorden in the municipality of Narvik in Nordland county, Norway. It will be part of the European Route E6 highway and it will shorten the driving distance from Narvik to Bjerkvik by 17 kilometers (11 mi) and from Narvik to Bjørnfjell, via European Route E10 by 5 kilometers (3.1 mi). The bridge is estimated to cost NOK 2.2 billion. Financing will come from a mix of state grants and tolls.[1]

History

The bridge was originally planned to be either a suspension bridge or a symphony bridge (a combination of a suspension bridge, a cable-stayed bridge and a cantilever bridge) but the latter was dropped in 2008, as it would cost NOK 520 million more.[2] The Norwegian Public Roads Administration estimated the cost of a suspension bridge in 2008 to NOK 1,860 million.[2] In addition to the bridge, there are also the cost of a tunnel between Trældal and Leirvika, which is estimated at NOK 85 million. The administration is also working on a method which would shorten the main span from 1,345 to 1,120 meters (4,413 to 3,675 ft), by placing the pylons in the fjord.[2]

As part of the presumption for building the bridge, Narvik Airport, Framnes would be closed. The bridge would shorten travel time to Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes from 60 to 40 minutes, and local politicians have accepted the deal.[3][4][5] The Ofoten Regional Council has estimated the saving to NOK 840 million over the course of 30 years, should the airport be closed. In October 2009, State Secretary Erik Lahnstein stated that he was not happy with the calculations, as they were based on unrealistic presumptions.[6] In September 2010, Minister of Transport and Communications Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa stated that the state would issue a grant of "several hundred million kroner".[1] On 25 May 2012, Kleppa announced that the government would grant NOK 1.6 billion for the bridge, which would supplement NOK 850 million in tolls and a minor amount from Narvik Municipality.[7]

The construction start was 18. February 2013.[8] Expected opening is 2017.

References

  1. 1 2 "Klarsignal for Hålogalandsbrua". Fremover (in Norwegian). 29 September 2010. Archived from the original on 21 January 2011. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 Norwegian Public Roads Administration (8 January 2008). "Hålogalandsbrua - Kostnader" (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 22 January 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
  3. ↑ "Strategiplan flyplasser" (PDF) (in Norwegian). 2007. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  4. ↑ Mauren, Arnfinn (8 March 2010). "Nye veier - færre flyplasser". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 21 January 2011. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  5. ↑ Godø, Knut (5 October 2010). "Nedlagt flyplass gir ny Hålogalandsbru" (in Norwegian). Harstad Tidende. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  6. ↑ "– Ikke fornøyd med bru-regnestykket" (in Norwegian). 28 October 2009. Archived from the original on 21 January 2011. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  7. ↑ "Denne brua skal gjøre slutt på trailersjåførernes mareritt" (in Norwegian). 25 May 2012. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  8. ↑ "Anleggsstart for Hålogalandsbrua i høst" (in Norwegian). fremover.no. 2013-02-19. Retrieved 2013-02-19.

Coordinates: 68°27′12″N 17°28′56″E / 68.4534°N 17.4823°E / 68.4534; 17.4823

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