Skanska in Sweden
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Hisingsbron, Göteborg

  • Hisingsbron is the new link between the mainland and Hisingen. It is a steel and concrete lift bridge.
    1 of 27 –Hisingsbron is the new link between the mainland and Hisingen. It is a steel and concrete lift bridge.
  • Production manager Peo Halvarsson has built bridges for 30 years and thinks that Hisingsbron is the best bridge he has built in terms of quality.
    2 of 27 –Production manager Peo Halvarsson has built bridges for 30 years and thinks that Hisingsbron is the best bridge he has built in terms of quality.
  • The width of the bridge is 40 meters, which can be compared with the old Götaälvbron's 27 meters.
    3 of 27 –The width of the bridge is 40 meters, which can be compared with the old Götaälvbron's 27 meters.
  • The steel delivery was delayed a whole year, which was beyond our control. We still managed to finish in time.
    4 of 27 –The steel delivery was delayed a whole year, which was beyond our control. We still managed to finish in time.
  • Hisingsbron contributes to the development of the city center in Gothenburg and connects the two sides of the river.
    5 of 27 –Hisingsbron contributes to the development of the city center in Gothenburg and connects the two sides of the river.
  • All four pylons in place. Photo: Katrin Svensson
    6 of 27 –All four pylons in place. Photo: Katrin Svensson
  • The sun goes down over Gothenburg when the first pylon is lifted into place. Photo: Katrin Svensson
    7 of 27 –The sun goes down over Gothenburg when the first pylon is lifted into place. Photo: Katrin Svensson
  • The first counterweight on site at Hisingsbron. Photo: Katrin Svensson
    8 of 27 –The first counterweight on site at Hisingsbron. Photo: Katrin Svensson
  • The barge with the pylons sails in through Götaälvbron. Photo: Niklas Maupoix
    9 of 27 –The barge with the pylons sails in through Götaälvbron. Photo: Niklas Maupoix
  • Hisingsbrons pylons were manufactured in Spain and lifted on site in July 2020. Photo: City of Gothenburg
    10 of 27 –Hisingsbrons pylons were manufactured in Spain and lifted on site in July 2020. Photo: City of Gothenburg
  • The pylons were mounted on the bridge supports on the north side and then on the south side. Photo: City of Gothenburg
    11 of 27 –The pylons were mounted on the bridge supports on the north side and then on the south side. Photo: City of Gothenburg
  • Hisingsbron grew from the middle and out towards the river banks. The pylons and the lifting part in the middle were assembled during the late summer and early autumn of 2020.
    12 of 27 –Hisingsbron grew from the middle and out towards the river banks. The pylons and the lifting part in the middle were assembled during the late summer and early autumn of 2020.
  • The bridge takes shape towards the south side of the river.
    13 of 27 –The bridge takes shape towards the south side of the river.
  • Kollektivtrafikbron ska lyfta sig ur vägbanan ner mot Nordstan.
    14 of 27 –Kollektivtrafikbron ska lyfta sig ur vägbanan ner mot Nordstan.
  • The public transport bridge will rise from the roadway down towards Nordstan.
    15 of 27 –The public transport bridge will rise from the roadway down towards Nordstan.
  • A total of 42 side spans are distributed on both sides.
    16 of 27 –A total of 42 side spans are distributed on both sides.
  • A total of 42 side spans are distributed on both sides.
    17 of 27 –A total of 42 side spans are distributed on both sides.
  • Work with one of Hisingsbron's crossbeams.
    18 of 27 –Work with one of Hisingsbron's crossbeams.
  • Even though large sections are lifted into place, it is a close fit. We talk millimeters.
    19 of 27 –Even though large sections are lifted into place, it is a close fit. We talk millimeters.
  • The crossbeam is transported on site by crossing the existing bridge.
    20 of 27 –The crossbeam is transported on site by crossing the existing bridge.
  • The bridge parts are joined together.
    21 of 27 –The bridge parts are joined together.
  • Work at one of the bridge pillars.
    22 of 27 –Work at one of the bridge pillars.
  • The work with Hisingsbron is technically challenging with a complicated foundation.
    23 of 27 –The work with Hisingsbron is technically challenging with a complicated foundation.
  • The Hisingsbron connects the two sides of the river. Illustration: Mattias Henningsson-Jönsson
    24 of 27 –The Hisingsbron connects the two sides of the river. Illustration: Mattias Henningsson-Jönsson
  • Skanska has built Hisingsbron in central Gothenburg. The bridge is crossing the river Göta Älv.
    25 of 27 –Skanska has built Hisingsbron in central Gothenburg. The bridge is crossing the river Göta Älv.
  • The new bridge is lower and shorter, giving the impression that the distance is shorter across the river. Wider walking and bicycle lanes make it easier and faster to cross it.
    26 of 27 –The new bridge is lower and shorter, giving the impression that the distance is shorter across the river. Wider walking and bicycle lanes make it easier and faster to cross it.
  • Hisingsbron invites you to enjoy the view of the river.
    27 of 27 –Hisingsbron invites you to enjoy the view of the river.

A modern bridge strengthens Gothenburg's city center

Hisingsbron crosses the river Göta älv and is the new link between the mainland and Hisingen. On May 9, 2021, the bridge was opened for pedestrians, cyclists, cars and buses. Trams will start operating on the new bridge in mid-August. Hisingsbron contributes to the development of the city center in Gothenburg and connects the two sides of the river. The demolition of the old obsolete Götaälvbron from 1939 will be completed in the summer of 2022. The new bridge is lower than the old Götaälvbron, which makes it easier for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the river. A lower bridge also frees up large areas where homes, workplaces and recreational areas are planned to build the city together even more.

In 2016, Skanska was commissioned by the City of Gothenburg to build Hisingsbron in a joint venture with Danish MTH. The project is a turnkey contract. In addition to the bridge, a facility for tram traffic, new roads and connections, installation work, machines and control systems for the bridge and demolition of Götaälvbron are also included.

Lift bridge with higher capacity

Hisingsbron is a lift bridge made of steel and concrete. The bridge has a sail-free height of 12 meters which, when opened, will be 28 meters. The four pylons have a height of 55 meters above the water surface. The bridge has an advanced lighting system that allows it to be beautifully lit at night.

The total length of Hisingsbron is 1,380 meters if you count all parts on land. The width of the bridge is 40 meters, which can be compared with Götaälvbron's 27 meters. Hisingsbron has two lanes for vehicle traffic in each direction and one lane for public transport in each direction. Cyclists and pedestrians also get significantly more space than on the old bridge. In addition, there are wide balconies with seating for those who want to stop and enjoy the view.

Technically challenging project

The foundation work began in November 2016. The project was technically challenging and required piling for 110 meters to reach solid rock. Another challenge has been the proximity to the old Götaälv bridge, which is sensitive to movement. We have therefore had to adapt our piling work to it. Otherwise, there is a risk of pushing away large amounts of clay that affect the old bridge.

In addition to extensive foundation work, we have done water, electricity and sewage works. We have carried out the work of casting piles, ramps and ground concrete slabs.

The assembly of the four pylons was a major milestone for the project. A pylon consists of a counterweight, a pylon leg and a pylon top. They were lifted up by cranes on the bridge. Each pylon weighs 125 tons and a counterweight weighs 150 tons. Weather, wind and other factors therefore came into play when the assembly was to take place.

Planning and installations

The project has required good planning as it affects many people. Hisingsbron is situated in the center of Gothenburg. In order to work as efficiently as possible, we have needed to redirect traffic around the Central area. Many homes, offices and hotels are located in the area, which has meant noise requirements, in order for us not to disturb too much. In addition, we have limited noisy work to daytime between 7 AM and 5 PM.

The steel delivery was delayed a whole year, which was out of our control. We managed to finish in time without taking unnecessary risks – safety always comes first. The team that has worked on the project has done a great job and created a fantastic bridge.

The movable bridge has a number of advanced installations in the form of machinery, control systems, alarms, signals and lighting. It is an enormous process that is not visible but is extremely important for the bridge to function as intended.

A sustainable bridge

As in most of Skanska's projects, we have used our own environmental certification Green workplace. This means that we have an extra high ambition concerning the environment; the workplace meets a number of criteria. Many of our trucks and machines run on HVO, a fossil-free diesel that is better for the environment.

We have followed strict requirements when we have drilled piles into the ground. In order not to pollute the water, we have therefore built a treatment plant that purifies the water before it is released again.

Last but not least, the life span of the bridge should be mentioned. It is designed to last for at least 120 years. During this time, many Gothenburgers will cross the bridge.

Result

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