Arup to support design of Scandinavia’s longest suspension bridge

British consulting engineer Arup has signed a contract with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) to design the 2km-long Julsundet crossing in Norway.

Impression of the proposed Julsundet crossing in Norway. Image: Arup

When completed, Arup says the structure will be the longest suspension bridge in Scandinavia and one of the longest in the world.

The company will work in partnership with the Norwegian engineering firm Aas-Jakobsen on the project to deliver detailed design for the bridge, which is expected to have a main span of 1,625m.

A team of Arup engineers is expected lead on the bridge’s orthotropic steel deck design and will carry out a fatigue analysis, using modelling and stress extraction techniques to future proof the structure.

The bridge project falls within the scope of the E39 Ålesund to Molde upgrade, which ultimately aims to create a ferry-free coastal highway in the country.

Jesper Jensen, Arup’s business development manager for Scandinavia, said, “Building on our business relationship with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and Aas-Jakobsen, this project is a stepping stone towards developing other major infrastructure projects in Scandinavia.

“We are engaging our global experts to support the successful delivery of this technically challenging and ambitious design, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges.”