The grade separated 22 kilometre road included construction challenges such as 10km of hard granite rock tunnels and was completed in just 26 months (from financial close to opening). One million man hours were involved in the road’s construction which also includes local access roads, pedestrian routes and a truck inspection area. The route also includes 13 bridges with a total length of 900 metres.

The road runs between Klett and Bårdshaug in the Orkdal region of Western Norway.  The E39 will bring development opportunities to the region, improve road safety and help to reduce pollution for those living along the route of the old E39.

From procurement to construction, the E39 has been an interesting and groundbreaking project, commented Mike Mercer-Deadman, Director of Laing Roads. “Procurement was completed in record time – with just over a year between prequalification and financial close. Financing for the project included the first ever over 20 year interest rate swap procured by NOK in this market.

“The E39 also marks Skanska’s biggest ever contract in Norway to date and is Laing Roads’ first Norwegian project. The concession, which will run for 25 years, is the second opportunity that we have had to work with Skanska on a PPP investment in the Nordic region. We are thrilled to have completed the road ahead of schedule and look forward to working in the Nordic region again.”

ENDS

Photography of the Road and the opening ceremony is available on request

Issued: 23 August 2005

For more information:

Anne Sampson
The Madano partnership
020 7593 4000
anne.sampson@madano.co.uk