Projects
The widening of the bridge over the Varmá River formed a key part of the first phase of the South Coast Road (Route 1) upgrade between Hveragerði and Selfoss.
The project involved widening the existing bridge, constructing new local roads and intersections, modifying utility infrastructure, and developing new underpasses for pedestrians and equestrians.
Verkís provided construction supervision and project oversight for the 2.5-kilometre section, which was designed to support the future development of a 2+2 lane highway while initially operating as a 2+1 road with separated traffic lanes.
A major challenge of the project was the bridge widening itself. The Varmá River and its surroundings are listed on Iceland’s Natural Heritage Register and support important populations of sea trout, salmon, flounder, eels, and diverse aquatic ecosystems. To minimise environmental impacts, all work in and around the river was restricted to a three-month construction window outside sensitive migration and spawning periods.
The existing bridge, originally constructed in 1970, was widened by 13 metres while maintaining the appearance and structural principles of the original reinforced concrete structure. Challenging weather conditions, frequent flooding, and a highly restricted construction schedule required innovative engineering solutions. To avoid disturbance to the riverbed after the permitted construction period had ended, the project team redesigned the bridge deck support system using steel beams spanning between the bridge walls, eliminating the need for temporary supports within the river channel.
The project demonstrates how careful planning, environmental stewardship, and engineering innovation can successfully deliver critical transport infrastructure while protecting sensitive natural environments.
Bridge widening
Road improvement section
The widening of the Varmá Bridge was a critical part of upgrading Iceland’s South Coast Road while protecting one of the country’s environmentally sensitive river systems. The project required maintaining traffic flow, preserving the bridge’s original character and minimizing impacts on protected aquatic habitats within a highly restricted construction schedule.
Verkís provided construction supervision and project management for the bridge widening and the surrounding 2.5 km road section, including new local roads, intersections, utility relocations and underpasses. Through innovative engineering, the bridge support system was redesigned to eliminate the need for temporary structures in the river, reducing environmental impacts and enabling construction within the permitted work window.
The project successfully delivered a wider bridge and upgraded transport corridor while safeguarding the sensitive Varmá ecosystem. By combining environmental stewardship, careful planning and innovative engineering solutions, Verkís helped create resilient infrastructure that supports future highway expansion and improved road safety without compromising the surrounding natural environment.
Technical information
Location:
South Iceland
Size:
13 m
Project period:
2019
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Icelandic
