By Ashley Karen
Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård officially began construction for the OPS project E10/rv.85 Tjeldsund–Gullesfjordbotn–Langvassbukt/Hålogalandsvegen in Fiskefjord, Norway in 2 August.
He claimed: “This development is very important for the region and will help to tie it together more closely. Travel time is reduced at the same time as the roads become safer. There will be better mobility and accessibility, both for business and private individuals. I would also like to emphasize how gratifying it is to be able to enter into such a large contract in such a demanding economic time because we see how much it means to many.”
Hålogalandsvegen AS, led by Skanska, will be in charge of the construction and operation of the complete PPP project during the contract period of 21 years.
The OPS project E10/Rv85 Tjeldsund–Gullesfjordbotn–Langvassbukt will better link Harstad, Evenes, Lødingen and Sortland. The expansion will improve traffic safety and enhance accessibility. It will cover the sections Rv 85 from Sigerfjordtunnelen to Gullesfjordbotn, E10 from Gullesfjordbotn to Steinsland v/Tjeldsund bridge, Rv83 from Tjeldsundbrua to Fauskevåg and Rv85 from Kåringen to Fiskefjord.
A total of 82 km of new road, including 27 km through totally seven tunnels, will be constructed. Also, 22 bridges will be in place, 35 km of road will be built in the existing road alignment, while 20 km will be laid in a new road alignment.
The new road will result in a decreased driving time of about 40 minutes between Sortland and Harstad. In addition, it will be roughly 35 minutes faster to drive from Lofoten to Evenes Airport or Narvik. The new road will make commercial and passenger transport safer and more efficient and give the whole region a better connection to the E6.
The plant has a scheduled construction time of approximately 5.5 years, and the completion will be in late 2028.
Further information is available here.
For a video on the project Click here.
