In a collaborative effort with Syltern, a Nowergian contractor, Skanska has entered into a contract with Nye Veier to deliver the construction of the new E6 highway connecting Berkåk and Vindåsliene in Trøndelag County, Norway.
Nye Veier, a state-owned enterprise under the Norwegian Ministry of Transport, is responsible for the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of secure main roadways across Norway.
Skanska’s portion of the contract is approximately NOK 1.3 billion, equivalent to SEK 1.3 billion (roughly $125 million USD).
The New E6 highway - Berkåk-Vindåsliene - Project Details
Nye Veier’s new project will construct a new E6 highway stretching from Berkåk in Rennebu municipality to Vindåsliene in Midtre Gauldal municipality. This segment of E6 in Trøndelag serves as a crucial link connecting the southern and northern regions of the country.
According to Nye Veier, this highway is important for local, regional, and national businesses. The current configuration of the two-lane road does not cater to the demands of present or future traffic.
Key highlights of the Berkåk-Vindåsliene project include (further details in the video below):
- Spanning 15 kilometres, the road will have a width of approximately 19 meters, with a section measuring 17.5 meters featuring 2×2 lanes.
- Development of 15 kilometres of new county and local roads, incorporating an approximately 800-meter tunnel in Vindåsliene.
- Establishment of a level sign junction and connection to the existing E6 at Berkåk.
- Installation of a game fence along the new E6 and Dovrebanen, equipped with two game crossings across the road.
The New E6 highway - Berkåk-Vindåsliene project - Skanka's scope
It is understood that the contract executed is a design and construct (D&C) contract. D&C contracts offer single-point accountability and streamlined project management, reducing coordination efforts for owners.
In this approach, there is a significant risk transfer from the owner (e.g. Nye Veier) to the contractor (Skanska-Syltern JV), ensuring better cost and time certainty while encouraging innovation and value engineering for cost-effective and risk-reduced project outcomes.
The JV will be accountable for the project’s design and construction phases, and Skanska’s responsibility covers the construction of the entire new 15km road, a new intersection linking to the existing E6, approximately 15 kilometers of local roads, an 800-meter tunnel, six bridges, two wildlife crossings, and various smaller structures.
The company has confirmed the imminent commencement of the detailed engineering phase and plans to initiate construction in spring 2024. The anticipated completion date is set for autumn 2027.
The New E6 highway - Berkåk-Vindåsliene project - Sustainability Aspects
The project holds ambitious climate objectives, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% compared to the climate budget. Additionally, it’s slated to receive environmental certification at the Very Good level under BREEAM Infrastructure Whole Team Award standards.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a comprehensive sustainability assessment methodology developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Introduced in 1990, BREEAM establishes benchmarks for the environmental efficacy of buildings throughout their lifecycle—from design and specification to construction and operation.
