The Tysfjord crossing: A comparison between different alternatives

The E6 Road is the only road connecting the North and South regions in Norway. The Tysfjord is dividing Norway into two parts with respect to road communication, and here we find the only ferry connection on the E6 Road in Norway. The main purpose of this project is to obtain an E6 Road without ferries. This project will also imply that the ferry connection across Vestfjorden may be reduced in length from 23 km to 14 km. There are two main alternatives for a fixed crossing of the Tysfjord: Tunnel alternative: This alternative includes a 12 -13 km long subsea rock tunnel. The total length of this alternative is 29 km. The total cost is estimated to 900 - 1200 mill.NOK. Bridge alternative: This alternative consists of 4 major bridge projects (suspension or floating bridges) across 4 fjords. The total costs of the alternative is estimated to 1600 - 2000 mill.NOK. The tunnel alternative will be subjected to thoroughly consideration from the Environmental Authorities, as the new road will go through areas which are restricted from an environmental point of view. The main objectives for the planning on this stage is to find the most feasible alternative with respect to: cost cost / benefit analysis environmental effects Our preliminary conclusion is that the tunnel alternative is the most feasible alternative for a fixed crossing of the Tysfjord. However, a more detailed consequense analysis is required. Fig. 1 Map showing the location of the project. A map shows northern Norway, focusing on the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos. It highlights islands, fjords, and coastal towns, with Lofoten west of Vestfjorden and Vesterålen connected to the mainland via islands and peninsulas. Key towns like Svolvær, Harstad, and Narvik, and fjords such as Tjeldsundet are labeled. An inset shows Norway, marking the mapped region. https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href=" https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781003761167/3a7a6e7a-cdab-4be1-b62c-becedd770340/content/pg826_Image_832.tif "/>