New land-use plan for the Sæbraut Highway Cap opens for public comment
The Environment & Planning Council has approved a draft land-use plan for the Sæbraut Highway Cap for public review.
The draft details the development of a highway cap on Sæbraut designed to improve traffic safety, reduce noise, and strengthen connections between neighborhoods. Spanning a one-kilometer stretch of Sæbraut, the cap will run north from Miklabraut past the intersection of Kleppsmýrarvegur and Skeiðarvogur. A new intersection at Kleppsmýrarvegur and Skeiðarvogur will sit atop the cap's northern section, featuring ramps connecting to and from Sæbraut in both directions. The Sæbraut Highway Cap will feature two lanes in each direction, along with merge lanes, exit lanes, and emergency lay-bys that meet applicable safety requirements.
The project also creates an opportunity to develop new green urban space on top of the structure. While the draft does not include new building rights, later phases are expected to introduce mixed residential and commercial development along the eastern edge of the neighborhood park and near the new Vogatorg Square. The matter has been referred to the City Executive Council for approval.
Neighborhood park on top of the cap
The top of the cap will feature a lush green environment, complete with walking paths and cycling routes that connect nearby neighborhoods and improve residents' access to outdoor recreation areas. Planners will develop the area into a neighborhood park to serve both residents and visitors. The draft also outlines steps to mitigate noise from road traffic.
Construction in the coming years
Construction on the Sæbraut Highway Cap is slated to take place between 2027 and 2030. As a joint initiative between local municipalities and the national government, the Sæbraut Highway Cap is one of the arterial road developments included under the Transportation Charter for the capital area. Officials developed the project in collaboration with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and Transport for the Capital Area. The initiative fits into a broader vision for transportation and urban development in the area, focusing on safer and more sustainable travel options. Once the City Executive Council has acted on the matter, the draft will be posted on the Urban Planning Portal, where the public can review it and submit comments.
