The public-private partnership (PPP) contract, with a combined total value of NOK19.8bn (US$2.2bn/€2bn), more than €1bn of which is for design and construction, will improve the connection between Bergen and the island of Sotra on Norway’s west coast. It was the biggest project of its kind to be awarded in Europe in 2021.
The 9.4km four-lane road link includes a 4.6km long twin-tube tunnel, 7.9km of secondary tunnels and a four-lane, 900m-long bridge, as well as road and pedestrian underpasses, tunnel portals, smaller bridges and viaducts, and pedestrian and bicycle paths.
The project’s design and construction will be undertaken by an international consortium including Webuild with a 35% stake, Spain’s FCC Construcción with 35% and South Korea’s SK ecoplant with 30%. The entire contract is being led by Sotra Link AS, in which Webuild holds a 10% stake, Australia’s Macquarie Capital 70% and SK ecoplant 20%. Sotra Link AS will operate and maintain the network for 25 years after it opens to traffic in 2027. The client is Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
The tender included a Climate Budget and Webuild chief executive Pietro Salini said the project would illustrate best practice in innovation and sustainability.
