Far-reaching improvements and modernisation of the roads in the Stockholm city centre will improve road safety for the city’s inhabitants and have a positive effect on the environment.
Grontmij in Sweden is improving sections of the ‘Nordsydaxeln’ (the north-south axis), which includes work on the Söderledstunneln (south tunnel), Centralbron (central bridge) and Klarastrandsleden. Grontmij is assisting in project management, supervision and management as well as in quality control.
The Nordsydaxeln, which is also called Stockholm’s arterial road, connects south Stockholm to the city centre and ends at Norra Länken. These roads make up an important part of the city’s network, and are amongst Stockholm’s busiest roads. Some 125,000 vehicles pass over the Centralbron alone each day.
Maintenance work is currently underway along the entire stretch, spread out over a four-year period.
Safety and environmental measures
Salt damage to the Söderledstunneln will be dealt with. The worn parts on the Centralbron surface will also be repaired. At the same time, the roads will be made safer and more environmentally-friendly.
The road safety measures consist of more effective traffic control systems and better tunnel lighting, amongst others. The Centralbron will be fitted with a higher central barrier to prevent vehicles from crossing to the opposite carriageway.
The environmental measures include new purification installations for waste water from the traffic routes and new vents to ensure better air quality in the tunnel. This is especially important in times of queuing and heavy traffic.
The order has a total value of about EUR 7.5 million. Grontmij has been given the order for the first two years (value of EUR 4.9 million) and an option to another two-year extension. 40 Grontmij consultants are involved in the project.
‘This project is based on long-term thinking. The designs need to cope with developments in traffic for at least the next 80 years. This is an exciting challenge that demands effective project management combined with broad technical expertise and environmental knowledge. Our knowledge and experience within all these areas form the basis for this order,’ says Ulf Palmblad, Grontmij CEO in Sweden. In Sweden, 900 consultants work in 25 locations.
Most of the work will take place in summer, when traffic is at its lightest. Repairs have started in 2005, and are expected to be completed in 2010.
Grontmij intends to be the best local service provider for consultancy, management, engineering and contracting of projects in building, transportation, environment, water, industry and energy. Our employees thus create value for our clients and shareholders and contribute to a sustainable living and working environment.