Transforming urban mobility: Norway's E18/E39 Gartnerløkka-Kolsdalen project
Enhancing urban mobility in southern Norway the E18/E39 Gartnerløkka - Kolsdalen project is seen as one of Norways most complex road projects. This project is part of a broader vision rooted in long-term planning efforts, based on the municipal sub-plan for E39 Gartnerløkka–Breimyr and the zoning plan for E39 Gartnerløkka–Meieriet.
With an average daily traffic volume of approximately 40,000 vehicles, the existing road network has long suffered from congestion, particularly during rush hours and around the ferry terminals. Increased traffic in the city streets has further highlighted the need for a more robust solution.
Comprehensive infrastructure transformation: Kristiansand's E18/E39 corridor upgrade
The new development includes the construction of a restructured E18/E39 corridor through the city of Kristiansand, featuring key upgrades such as:
- New junctions connecting to Vestre Strandgate, the ferry terminal, and national road 9 (Rv. 9)
- Improved access to the port area and container harbour via a newly extended Havnegata
- A dedicated express cycle route and prioritised infrastructure for public transport
- A new access tunnel to maintain railway freight lines to the industrial area at Kolsdalen
- Adapted overpass bridges across the railway to align with both current and future rail plans
- New railway spurs to the ferry terminal to enhance sea-to-rail cargo transfer
Strategic connectivity: Enhancing Kristiansand's multimodal transport network
The project plays a strategic role in facilitating smoother traffic distribution across Kristiansand, providing better access to critical transport nodes including the ferry terminal, central station, city centre, and national road 9. It also contributes to a safer, more efficient multimodal network, supporting the city’s ambitions for increased use of public transport, cycling, and walking.
E18/E39 Gartnerløkka–Kolsdalen is a key component of the Kristiansand Region Transport Package (Samferdselspakke for Kristiansandsregionen), for which the Norwegian government granted development approval through various stages.
From vision to reality: Eiffage's sustainable execution of the landmark E18/E39 project in Kristiansand
Construction officially began in autumn 2021 with a series of preparatory contracts completed by mid-2023. The main construction phase is now underway, following the award of the principal contract to Eiffage in November 2023.
This project represents not only a major milestone for Eiffage in Norway but also a lasting contribution to the urban development and mobility landscape of the Kristiansand region.
The project is designated as one of five pilot projects by Statens vegvesen aiming for fossil-free construction sites. This initiative seeks to minimize the use of fossil fuels by adopting emission-free solutions for construction operations and transport, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project's total emissions are a key evaluation criterion during the contract awarding process, with bonuses awarded for solutions that further decrease emissions beyond initial commitments.