Norway and Sichuan Build Belt and Road Arctic Bridge

Norway has opened the longest suspension bridge above the Arctic Circle. The 1.5 km long bridge was built in cooperation with China’s Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG).

Situated near the northern port city of Narvik, the bridge crosses the Rombaken fjord and provides a significant shortcut on the European route E6 highway – the main north-south road through Norway and the west coast of Sweden.

The Halogaland bridge boasts a free span of 1,145 meters, and with a length of 1,533 meters, it is the longest suspension bridge ever built above the Arctic Circle.

The Chinese firm delivered the steel constructions and was responsible for the mounting of the bridge, which took more than five years to build.

“It’s been great to see Chinese participation in this project,” Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters at the inauguration ceremony. She added that the “beautiful bridge” is very important for the local community and infrastructure.

Chris Devonshire-Ellis of Dezan Shira & Associates Belt & Road unit comments: “The Halogaland Bridge is another piece in the huge Arctic jigsaw puzzle that China, Russia, and the Scandinavian countries are putting together to better integrate Northern Eurasia. It improves both local and international connectivity and commerce and is a huge regional boost for Narvik.”