Applus+ Awarded Major Bridge Inspection Contract by Norwegian Public Roads Administration

The Sotra Connection project will significantly reduce travel times, particularly during peak hours, marking a substantial improvement for commuters and public transport between Øygarden and Bergen municipalities.

Both Sotra and Bergen are vital regions for Norway's national value creation, hosting numerous oil and gas facilities, maritime activities, and aquaculture operations. This infrastructure development will strengthen these crucial economic sectors and enhance regional connectivity.

Technical Specifications
The centrepiece of the project is an impressive suspension bridge that stretches 900 meters in length and spans 30 meters in width. The bridge features two towering structures reaching 145 meters in height, supporting a main span of 608 meters. The bridge's design incorporates an orthotropic steel box girder weighing approximately 6,000 tonnes, representing state-of-the-art engineering excellence.

The comprehensive infrastructure project extends beyond the main bridge to include a sophisticated network of supporting structures. The development encompasses 19 strategically placed road and pedestrian underpasses, 23 carefully designed tunnel portals, and 22 additional bridges and viaducts. The project also introduces new four-lane highways, complemented by 14 kilometres of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and approximately 24 kilometres of two-lane access roads, ensuring comprehensive connectivity for all traffic types.

Applus+ Norway's Role - Scope of Services
Applus+ Norway will act as Statens Vegvesen’s quality assurance partner in this prestigious project, providing inspections and quality assurance services to ensure compliance with all quality requirements specified in the project documentation and applicable quality plans, both during the manufacturing, assembly, and integration phases of the project.

Our quality assurance scope encompasses witnessing and verification of several key processes, including material control, welding operations, non-destructive testing (NDT), geometric and dimensional control, surface treatment, and assembly work. 
Additionally, we will oversee that all work is carried out in accordance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) requirements.

Strategic Value
This prestigious contract represents a significant milestone for Applus+. It allows us to demonstrate our unique ability to combine global expertise with deep local knowledge, while further strengthening our position in the infrastructure sector. The Sotra Connection project provides an outstanding opportunity to showcase our comprehensive range of technical services in one of Norway's most significant infrastructure developments.

We look forward to a long and successful collaboration with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, contributing our expertise to this transformative project that will serve the region for generations to come.

Should you require any additional information, please feel free to reach out to us.