Hardanger Suspension Bridge

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

The suspension bridge crosses the Hardangerfjord in south-western Norway.

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

The bridge replaced the ferry connection between Brurvik and Brimnes.

The Hardanger Bridge is a 1,380m-long suspension bridge opened in August 2013. It crosses the Hardangerfjord in Norway and replaced the ferry connection between Brurvik and Brimnes on the highway 7/13.

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

The NOK2.3bn ($3.89bn) to construct the bridge was 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 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.

The Hardanger Bridge

The hanging bridge features two lanes: one for cars (2 × 4.5m) and the other for pedestrians/bicycles (3.25m). The height of the bridge pylons is 202.5m.

The height of the towers above sea level is about 186m. The bridge has 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.

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

The south side of the bridge connects to a 1,200m-long tunnel that ends in a three-way roundabout. The approach road is7.5m wide and the speed limit is set at 80km/h. The bridge can handle a daily traffic volume of 2,000 cars.

Purpose of the bridge

The bridge improves 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 is also made easier.

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

Construction of the approach roads and bridge was started in March 2007and May 2009, respectively.

Hardanger Bridge contractors

The project’s engineering was carried out by Statens Vegvesen, region west (Veidirektoratet).

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

The bridge was designed by Forum Arkitekter. Opticonsult of Bergen designed the approach roads/tunnels. AF Gruppen managed the approach roads construction.

The site engineer for the design/construction of the road/tunnel was Magne Mo and the site engineer for the bridge was Asbjørn Valen.

The tunnel was constructed by AF Skandinavia. Steel deck and cable works contractor was MT Hojgaard. Concrete works were carried out by Veidekke.

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

Related content

Drammen Bridge, Drammen, Norway

The 1,842m-long, four-lane bridge on the E-18 highway, Norway, is the fourth bridge across the Drammen River.

I-64 Daniel Boone Bridge Replacement Project, Missouri, US

The I-64 Daniel Boone Bridge provides access for Interstate 64, US Route 40 and US Route 61 crossing the Missouri River between St. Louis County and St. Charles County in Missouri, USA.