05 Apr 11
Atkins wins Danish bridge assignment
Atkins has been appointed to carry out the preliminary studies and design work for several new and existing bridges, as part of a programme to widen the Køge Bay motorway in Denmark.
The work to expand the motorway from six to eight lanes will require the construction of seven new bridges, extension of nine existing bridges and work to a further three.
The 8km-long section of motorway will remain operational whilst the work is taking place. Atkins will work closely with the Danish Road Directorate and other consultants working on the extension to ensure that disruption to traffic is kept to a minimum.
“This is a highly complicated assignment due to the large number of bridges, and the need to keep traffic flowing throughout the construction process," said Atkins’ market director Martin Svenning Nielsen. "With 100,000 vehicles using the motorway every day this will require expert project management to ensure the work proceeds as smoothly and as safely as possible so that motorists are not unduly inconvenienced.”
The first phase of the project will see the construction of a new bridge across Karlstrup Marsh, located next to the existing motorway. The bridge will be founded on piles due to the soft subsoil and to protect the natural environment of the area. The bridge will also be used as a temporary road during the construction work. Atkins will begin design work on the project immediately.