Bids for construction of the Fossvogur Bridge were opened yesterday afternoon, with two bids received. Betri samgöngur put the bridge contract out to tender in the European Economic Area last May. The first phase of works—coastal protection and land reclamation on Kársnes in Kópavogur and in Reykjavík—has been underway since January 2025. The estimated cost of the bridge construction was just under ISK 6 billion.
The bids were as follows:
Ístak hf. & Per Aarsleff A/S — Istak–Aarsleff JV
Bid price incl. VAT: ISK 7,898,532,093
Depenbrock Scandinavia ApS & Depenbrock Ingenieurwasserbau GmbH & Co. KG — JV Depenbrock Fossvogur
Bid price incl. VAT: ISK 8,221,364,124
The bridge construction had been estimated at ISK 5,960 million, so both bids are above estimate—by 33% and 38%, respectively. A detailed review of the bids and comparison with the cost estimate will now follow.
It may be noted that the contract signed in January for the coastal protection and land reclamation came in at 70% of the estimated contractor cost.
The bridge, Alda, will be 270 metres long and up to 17 metres wide. It will be built with steel girders in five spans; the piers and foundations will be reinforced concrete, drilled down to bedrock to ensure stability. Fossvogur Bridge will feature special viewing platforms known as “álfasteinar” (“elf stones”), as well as lighting integrated into the handrails and beneath the deck.
Fossvogur Bridge is part of the first phase of the Borgarlína rapid transit project and will connect the municipalities of Reykjavík and Kópavogur across Fossvogur. The bridge is intended for Borgarlína vehicles, city buses, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as priority access for police, ambulance and fire services.
Fossvogur Bridge is slated to be ready for use in autumn 2028.
Source: Betri samgöngur ohf.
