Norway. A consortium led by Webuild is awarded the biggest road infrastructure construction contract in Norwegian history

On 7 September, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen) announced that the Sotra Link consortium, led by Italian contractor Webuild, has been awarded the largest road construction contract in Norwegian history. The total value of the project, named Rv 555 Sotrasambandet, is estimated at EUR 2.3 billion.

The project will be carried out through a public-private partnership (PPP). The successful bidder undertakes to design, finance, build and maintain the project, in return for toll management of the built section for a term of at least 14 years.

The contract includes the construction of a long four-lane suspension bridge with a main span of 592 metres. There are also 19 smaller bridges, 11 overpasses/underpasses and 21 tunnels.

The new road infrastructure will expand connections and reduce travel time between the cities of Bergen and Sotra/Oeygarden (in the western Vestland region), and also facilitate connections between Bergen airport and the city centre.

Webuild has a 35% stake in the consortium, with the task of carrying out the design and construction work, and it also holds a 10% stake in the project company that will be responsible for operations and maintenance. The executive contracts are expected to be signed in the first quarter of 2022.