SYSTRA, a global leader in engineering and consulting for public transport and mobility solutions, has secured a significant contract for the design of a new road tunnel in southwest Norway, near Arendal.
Improving Traffic Flow and Safety
The County of Agder is set to construct a new stretch of road aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety between the municipalities of Neskilen and Heftingsdalen, located on the outskirts of Arendal. This initiative is particularly crucial as it seeks to segregate the traffic heading to the port, where a new battery factory is planned, from the coastal road frequented by tourists.
The Tunnel Project
Central to this new departmental road is a 300-metre tunnel that will be bored under the Hesthagfjellet hill. SYSTRA has been entrusted with the project management of this tunnel. The construction will utilize traditional methods to cut through the hard rock, following plans that are developed entirely using a centralised Building Information Modeling (BIM) model.
SYSTRA's Responsibilities
SYSTRA's role encompasses comprehensive tasks including:
- Modeling the Rock Structure: Detailed geological assessments to ensure structural integrity.
- Tunnel Design: Creating robust designs for the tunnel itself.
- Access and Electrical Systems: Planning safe and efficient access points and electrical layouts.
- Drainage: Developing effective drainage systems to manage water flow.
- Environmental Analysis: Conducting thorough environmental impact assessments to minimize CO2 emissions during the construction phase.
Strategic Importance
"This is a significant strategic win for SYSTRA," says Lars Christian Hansteen, Project Manager at SYSTRA. "Firstly, it marks our first contract with this public client, offering the opportunity to establish a fruitful, long-lasting relationship with a major client that has several large projects in their pipeline for the coming years. Secondly, the project’s environmental and digital requirements align perfectly with SYSTRA’s strategy."
Francesco Del Greco, Business Developer for Scandinavia at SYSTRA, adds, "We are delighted that the County of Agder has appointed SYSTRA to this assignment. This award is the result of exceptional teamwork, established since the tender phase and sustained throughout the execution of the task. This project will enhance our Norwegian references portfolio, providing us the opportunity to further demonstrate our capabilities and expertise in upcoming competitions, strengthening SYSTRA’s position in the Norwegian market."
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
The route of this new section of road will link up with the new E18 motorway, which is currently under construction on the south Norwegian coast. SYSTRA is already involved in this larger project, notably with the doubling of the Grenland bridge, approximately fifty kilometers from Arendal.
About SYSTRA
SYSTRA is renowned as one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups, specializing in public transport and mobility solutions. With over 65 years of experience, the Group has been instrumental in the development, improvement, and modernization of transport infrastructures and systems worldwide. Recognized by the Engineering News-Record as one of the top three international engineering firms in 'Mass Transit & Rail,' and among the 25 largest engineering firms globally, SYSTRA boasts a workforce of 10,700 employees dedicated to enhancing transportation to facilitate better access to employment, education, healthcare, and leisure.
This tunnel project near Arendal stands as a testament to SYSTRA's expertise and commitment to innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions, positioning them as a key player in the future development of Norway’s transport network.
