Overview of Floating Bridge Projects in Norway

Abstract

This paper describe the development of floating bridge projects along the coast of Norway. Over the decades, the need to replace existing ferry connections with fixed linkes has beed rapidly increasing. However, the Norwegian nature with its deep and wide fjords, together with low traffic numbers have given the engineers big challenges in designing cost effective bridges for many of the crossings. One solution that was developed in the late 80s and early 90s by a combination of offshore technology and bridge technology was the end-anchored floating bridge concept. So far, two bridges of this design have been completed, the Bergsøysund Bridge and the Nordhordland Bridge. Prof. Moan was a key contributer in the developing work, enabling a safe design of the bridges. As the remaining ferry crossings are even deeper and wider, there is a need to further develop this concept, as well as developing new concepts, so that we are able to replace even further ferries with fixed links. The paper will look back at the two already buildt floating bridges, as well as the floating bridge concepts that might be used to cross the Bjørnafjord, on the west coast of Norway.