E18 Motorway

The E18 Motorway project (“OPS E18 Kristiansand – Grimstad”) is an availability-based PPP project involving the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of a 38 km four-lane motorway in southern Norway. In addition, 19 km of access roads/paths, 3 treatment basins in connection with sulphire-containing stone landfills, 2 resting areas for traffic users and 3 Park & Rides.

The project scope includes 8 dobbel-tube tunnels with a total length of 13.1 km, 61 bridges, and 75 km of secondary roads. This new section of motorway, which opened in August 2009 by the King of Norway, connects Grimstad to Kristiansand and forms part of the main transport corridor between Oslo and southern Norway.

It significantly improves access and safety in the region and plays a vital role in linking southern Norway to Continental Europe.

Sustainability

The Motorway carves through rugged and scenic terrain, and the project was delivered with careful environmental consideration. The use of tunnels and bridges was optimised to minimise disruption to the local ecosystems. The project operates several waste-water treatment plants to purify water before it drains into the fjords.

Arrangements has been constructed for fish so they can reach their spawning grounds when coming from the sea going into freshwater lakes.

Improved traffic flow and reduced congestion have contributed to lower emissions. The number of accidents is 90% lower than the old road.