21 May 2025Parts of Arnarnesvegur expansion to be finished this summer
Parts of Arnarnesvegur expansion to be finished this summer
Construction operations centered around Arnarnesvegur are proceeding on schedule, and work has begun on the entire construction area. The area of operations around Elliðaárdalur is on schedule to be completed this summer. This is part of a planned road connecting Arnarnesvegur with Breiðholtsbraut, with included pedestrian- and bicycle paths, the completion of a pedestrian- and cycling bridge over Dimma, and an artificial pond opposite Vatnsendahvarf.
The pedestrian- and cycling bridge over Dimma will be the longest wooden bridge in Iceland when construction has finished.
The pedestrian- and cycling bridge over Dimma will be the longest wooden bridge in Iceland when construction has finished.
The pedestrian- and cycling bridge over Dimma is 46 meters long, which makes it the longest wooden bridge in the country. The bridge is designed with a lifespan of 100 years in mind, and will be accessible to service vehicles and snow-plowing equipment. The bridge is constructed with consideration given to the migratory period of salmon present in the river.
It is also expected that construction operations on Breiðholtsbraut between Jaðarsel and Vatnsendahvarf will be finished this summer, alongside completion of the land-forming of Vetrargarður Reykjavíkurborgar, to the east of Jafnasel. Material excavated has, among other things, been used as filling for the Vetrargarður.
At Rjúpnavegur construction of an underground tunnel for pedestrian- and cycling traffic underneath the new Arnarnesvegur is underway. This project requires moving the previously present heat- and water pipes, which is now in progress. This is projected to be finished — alongside the underground tunnel — by end of year.
Alongside the construction of a 3rd, roughly 1.9km long section of Arnarnesvegur between Rjúpnavegur and Breiðholtsbraut, this project also includes:
- The widening of Breiðholtsbraut, from Jaðarsel to Elliðaár.
- A road bridge, alongside a new pedestrian- and cycling path, over Breiðholtsbraut.
- A pedestrian- and cycling bridge over Arnarnesvegur where it intersects with Turnahvarf
- Underground tunnels for pedestrian- and cycling traffic underneath Arnarnesvegur and Breiðholtsbraut.
- The installation of new pedestrian- and cycling paths, as well as the construction of a pedestrian- and cycling bridge over Elliðaá by Dimma.
- The installation of heating pipe Suðuræð II, alongside Breiðholtsbraut from Völvufell to Elliðaár
A little more than a year and a half has passed since construction around Arnarnesvegur began, in September of 2023, and the projected construction time is now at its halfway mark. The projected completion of the Arnarnesvegur construction, as well as all related project, is the fall of 2026.
This project is a result of the Transportation Agreement, and is a cooperative venture between Vegagerðin, Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Betri samgöngur, Veitur, and Míla. Contractors utilized are Suðurverk hf. and Loftorka Reykjavík ehf.
Work is underway on the concrete foundation for the road bridge.
Here can be seen construction underway for the planned road bridge, and pedestrian- and cycling lanes over Breiðholtsbraut.
Arnarnesvegur extension under construction, May 2025.
The foundation for the planned addition to Arnarnesvegur from Rjúpnavegur to Breiðholtsbraut.