The Øresund Bridge (Øresundsbroen) is a combined bridge and tunnel that connects Denmark and Sweden. It is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Scandinavia and one of the longest bridges in Europe. The main part of the bridge is the bridge over the Øresund Strait, while the tunnel is located on the Danish and Swedish shores.
The bridge was opened to traffic in 2000 and represents a key link between the Danish cities of Copenhagen and Malmö in Sweden. It has a total length of approximately 16 kilometers, including a combination of bridge and tunnel sections. The bridge over the Øresund Strait is about 8 kilometers long, while the tunnel is approximately 4 kilometers long on the Danish and Swedish shores.
Construction and maintenance of the Øresund Bridge
Construction of the Øresund Bridge began in 1995 and was completed in 1999, lasting about four years. In terms of cost, the construction of the bridge and tunnel together cost around 19 billion Danish kroner or approximately 2.6 billion euros. This project was one of the largest infrastructure projects in Scandinavia and represented a significant investment undertaking for both Denmark and Sweden.
For bridges like the Øresund Bridge, which are exposed to extreme weather conditions and corrosion due to seawater, regular maintenance and painting are crucial to ensure long-term durability and structural protection. One painting cycle of this bridge can last up to 12 years. Between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. In addition to vehicles, the Øresund train also regularly operates across the bridge. What’s most interesting is that this train operates every 10 minutes, making it regularly used by commuters.
Prices for crossing the Øresund Bridge
The cost of crossing the Øresund Bridge depends on the mode of transportation, type of vehicle, and other factors such as the time of day and day of the week. You can view the complete price list HERE.
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