29 July 2025New bridge over Ölfusá under construction – video
New bridge over Ölfusá under construction – video
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA), in co-operation with contractors ÞG Verk, is constructing a new, 330 metre long, cable-stayed bridge over the Ölfusá river. The bridge replaces an 80-year-old suspension bridge and will allow Route 1 – the ring road – to bypass the steadily growing town of Selfoss, providing opportunity for sustainable development and reducing pollution in the urban centre.
The new bridge’s design was a co-operative effort between EFLA Consulting Engineers, the IRCA, and Studio Grandi architects, with detailed design elements provided by Ramboll. The new bridge’s roadway width will be 19 metres, three times wider than the current bridge, and designed with a potential capacity of four lanes in mind.
The new bridge is set to open for public traffic in 2028 and will reduce travelling time along the south of Iceland considerably, especially when traffic jams during rush hour are considered.
The above video shows a temporary bridge being lifted into place, allowing workers to access Efri-Laugardælaeyja, where the new bridge’s tower will rise.
Ölfusá.
Ölfusá.
Ölfusá.
Ölfusá.