The project E18 Varodd bridge is situated on the E18 just east of the centre of Kristiansand and it crosses Topdalsfjorden. The new bridge (Varodd bridge south) shall be constructed as a cantilever bridge (FFB) and it shall be constructed between the two existing bridges, which are a suspension bridge from 1956 (Varodd bridge (1956)) and a cantilever bridge from 1994 (Varodd bridge (1994)). A new foot and cycle path system shall also be constructed and Varodd bridge (1956) shall be demolished. The new Varodd bridge south must first be built with a reduced cross section on part of the length, and then completed after that Varodd bridge (1956) has been demolished.

The E18 must maintain its dual carriageway throughout the construction site area for the entire construction period. A foot and cycle path system shall also be maintained throughout the entire construction period.

The current E18 has an annual daily traffic count of approx. 50 000.

This is a model based assignment in accordance with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's hand book R760.

Brief description of the assignment:

— Alteration, new construction of the E18 eastbound and westbound lanes with the adjoining local roads/ramps, including signs, water and sewage and electro.

— Footpath systems locally at Søm and Varodd, including signs, water and sewage and electro.

— Terrain measures for the construction of roads and bridges, including dry walls of natural stone.

— Construction of Varodd bridge south.

— Construction of 3 foot/cycle path bridges: Varodden, Sømslandet down and Sømslandet up.

— Alterations to a culvert in Narviga: Varen.

— Alterations to covers, railings, signs and lighting on Varodd bridge (1994).

— Demolition of Varodd bridge (1956), culvert at Søm and steps to Vardåsen.

— Alterations of municipal water and sewage installations at Søm.

— Construction of noise reduction screen.