Work has started on a replacement bridge over Iceland’s largest river, the Olfusar as the minister for infrastructure Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson cut the turf on the site this week and signed the construction contract.
Visualisation of the new cable-stayed bridge over the River Olfusar. Credit: vegagerdin.is
Contractors THG Verk have brought together international expertise for the chosen design of the 330m bridge. It will be a cable-stayed structure with a 60m tower. The deck will be 19m wide, with lanes for motor vehicles as well as a walking and cycling path. The carriageway is presently two lanes, with the possibility of expansion to four lanes in future if that is needed.
The project, commissioned by the Icelandic road and coastal administration and costing US$102.8 million, also includes road connections. It will be paid for by tolls.
The new Olfusarbru replaces an 80-year-old suspension bridge. The cable-stayed design is better able to endure seismic movement. The design also considers the risk of ice dams and of flooding.
