Together with Veidekke, COWI is developing a more resilient Oslofjord connection

Every day, more than 11,000 vehicles rely on the Oslofjord Tunnel to travel safely and efficiently between eastern and western Norway. Now, one of the region’s most important transport corridors will be further developed to meet future needs – with increased capacity, improved road safety, and a reduced climate footprint.

Together with Veidekke, COWI has been awarded the contract to further develop Phase 2 of the E134 Oslofjord Connection on behalf of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. The project marks an important step towards a more resilient and predictable transport system for commuters, businesses, and emergency preparedness.

“This is about more than roads and tunnels. We will help make everyday travel safer while developing solutions that create long-term value for society,” says Frode Geir Bjørvik, Senior Project Director at COWI.

The contract award is the result of close and focused collaboration between Veidekke and COWI. Throughout the tender phase, the team worked in an integrated manner to develop solutions that balance quality, cost, and sustainability.

“When consultants and contractors work closely together from the outset, we achieve better solutions. We have had a clear ambition to optimise the project to deliver maximum value – both for the client and for society,” says Bjørvik.

The partnership builds on experience from previous projects, where the parties have developed a shared understanding of what it takes to succeed in complex infrastructure developments. The Oslofjord Connection joins a portfolio of large and technically demanding tunnel projects where COWI contributes expertise in the planning and development of critical transport infrastructure. Experience gained from projects like these is in demand both nationally and internationally, reflecting the growing need for safe, efficient, and sustainable transport links.

Building capacity and safety for the future

The development will significantly upgrade the connection between Frogn and Asker, including new tunnel tubes and an expansion to four lanes. Existing infrastructure will also be upgraded to meet today’s safety requirements.

Once completed, the project will improve traffic flow, reduce vulnerability in the transport system, and enable more efficient travel across a growing region.

Reducing the climate footprint

The project also includes ambitious climate and environmental requirements. A large proportion of the vehicles used on the project will be electric, while smaller construction machines will be emission-free.

“Large infrastructure projects give us an opportunity to move the industry in a more sustainable direction. Here, we will contribute solutions that both reduce emissions and set a new benchmark for how projects of this kind can be delivered,” says Bjørvik.

Together with Veidekke and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, COWI looks forward to delivering a project that strengthens both mobility and sustainability in a growing region.