New bridge over Sæbraut opens
A new pedestrian and bike bridge over Sæbraut has opened. The bridge greatly improves traffic safety for pedestrians traveling between the new Vogabyggð development and the Vogahverfi neighborhood, especially for students at Vogaskóli. The city made it a priority to complete the bridge before school started.
This is a temporary bridge that will stay in place until construction begins on the Sæbraut Highway Cap. Since the bridge is moveable, it can be relocated and used elsewhere later. The bridge is about 28 meters long and weighs about 30 tons. The bridge creates a new trail connecting Tranavogur and Snekkjuvogur. It is enclosed and features an elevator and stairs to ensure full accessibility for everyone.
Similar bridges prove successful
Reykjavík City and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration formally began planning in fall 2022. Officials looked at options for building a bridge with either ramps or elevators. There is a significant elevation difference in this area, making a bridge with elevators the preferred choice. Similar bridges have worked well in other places, such as Norway.
The project is a joint effort between Reykjavík City, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and Transport for the Capital Area, and is part of the Transportation Charter initiatives.
Verkís designed the structure and Ístak handled construction. VBV Engineering provided oversight and project management. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration oversaw the project on behalf of the client.