Hardanger Suspension Bridge, Norway

Key Data

The Hardanger Bridge is a 1,380m-long suspension bridge that will cross the Hardangerfjord in Norway, replacing a current ferry connection between Brurvik and Brimnes on the highway 7/13.

The suspension bridge will have one of the longest spans in the world at 1,310m and will be 30m longer than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The Nkr1.8bn (£168m) to construct the bridge will be raised by toll financing (approximately 66% over 15 years), local and regional contributions (approximately 23%), and compensation for saved ferry costs/state funding (approximately 11%). The Hardanger crossing has caused controversy in Norway after several parliamentary parties opposed the project. Approval for the bridge was given in February 2006 by the Storting, Norway’s Parliament.

Construction of the bridge was started in August 2009. It is scheduled for opening in 2013.

The Hardanger Bridge

The hanging bridge will have two lanes: one for cars (2 × 4.5m) and the other for pedestrians/bicycles (3.25m).

The height of the towers above sea level will be approximately 186m. The bridge will have a clearance above mean high water at mid-span of 55m. The project also comprises a 2.4km-long tunnel and 0.8km approach road between the tunnel and the bridge. Construction of the tunnel and the road began in February 2009 and is scheduled for completion in December 2010.

"Long-distance travel and transport will be made easier by providing a ferry-free connection east–west and north–south."

In addition, a 0.9km-long footpath and a cycle path will be built towards the bridge. In the north end, the approach road will start at a roundabout inside the existing Vallavik tunnel. This roundabout will divide the traffic between Granvin, Ulvik and the Hardanger bridge.

The south side of the bridge will connect to a 1,200m-long tunnel that ends in a three-way roundabout. The approach road will be 7.5m wide and the speed limit will be set at 80km/h. The expected daily traffic volume in the opening year is estimated at 2,000 cars.

Purpose of the bridge

The bridge will improve travel and transport locally in the inner Hardanger area. The travel and transport between Odda and Voss, between Bergen and Hardanger, and towards the upper part of Hallingdal will also be made easier.

Long-distance travel and transport will be made easier by providing a ferry-free connection east–west and north–south. Toll collection will be at the south end of the bridge.

Approach road construction started in March 2007. Bridge construction begins in May 2009.

Hardanger Bridge contractors

The project's engineering will be carried out by Statens Vegvesen, region west (Veidirektoratet).

"The Hardanger crossing has caused controversy in Norway after several parliamentary parties opposed the project."

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Western Region, is in charge of planning. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Bridge Technology Section, is responsible for the bridge design with support from several companies of consulting engineers.

The bridge architect is Forum Arkitekter. Opticonsult of Bergen designed the approach roads/tunnels.

The site engineer for the design/construction of the road/tunnel is Magne Mo and the site engineer for the bridge is Asbjørn Valen. The tunnel is being constructed by AF Skandinavia. Steel deck and cable works contractor is MT Hojgaard.

Much of the surplus rock and spoil from the initial stages of construction will be distributed at sites in Eidfjord County.

The height of the towers above sea level will be approximately 186m. The Hardanger bridge will have a clearance above mean high water at mid-span of 55m.

The suspension bridge will cross the Hardangerfjord in south-western Norway.

The total length of the Hardanger bridge will be 1,380m, and the design length of the main span is 1,310m.

The bridge is set to replace the current ferry connection between Brurvik and Brimnes.