Light railway to serve 35,000 inhabitants and support economic growth

Photo: Odense Letbane

A new light railway is an important part of future urban- and transport planning in Odense.

When all phases are in operation, the light railway will serve 35,000 inhabitants, 33,000 jobs and 23,000 student places. The aim is to make the town more sustainable by improving public transportation. International experience from similar projects also shows that the light railway will stimulate economic growth – particularly in the areas around the stations.

One of the challenges is to strike a balance between the light railway and the other forms of transportation in the town. The 14 km long light railway in Odense has to fit into the confined urban space, and this makes demands on the design, the layout of stations, roads and paths, and the interplay with other traffic in order to minimise disruption in the town.

It is also crucial to maintain close and effective coordination of the light rail project with external parties, including:

• public authorities (Odense Municipality, the Danish Transport Authority, Banedanmark etc.) for regular project clearance and approval
• supply companies for planning and execution of prior pipe and cable-laying works along the route of the light railway
• neighbouring projects such as the New University Hospital to clarify the technical interfaces etc.
• affected businesses and landowners.

For many years, COWI has been involved in a number of major infrastructure projects in Odense and can contribute with both national and international experience in the light rail field, enabling it to provide consulting support to a multi-disciplinary project such as the Odense light railway.