Approval for Fehmarn Belt fixed link

Tunnel Engineering Consultants (TEC), a permanent joint venture between DHV, Royal Haskoning and Witteveen+Bos have played an important role in the development of the immersed tunnel solution. TEC is member of the Rambøll-Arup-TEC joint venture, responsible for the tunnel design.

A subsea tunnel is the best option for the fixed link between Denmark and Germany across the Fehmarnbelt. After comparison of the subsea tunnel and the cable-stayed bridge solutions it was concluded that the tunnel option will not only have advantages during the construction phase, but also during the operational phase. The comparison considered technical, environmental and safety aspects. In addition, the impact on the environment and marine traffic are considered to be lower for the tunnel solution. On top of that the construction costs for the tunnel are also lower.

The construction of one of Europe’s safest and modern tunnels is expected to commence in 2014. The 19km long tunnel will accommodate a two lane in each direction motorway with hard shoulders, an emergency annex utility tube and a double track railway. This will make it the longest combined road-rail tunnel in the world. The tunnel will cut down travel times between the European continent and Scandinavia. One of Europe’s biggest infrastructural projects will create new economic opportunities, and cultural and social development in the regions and countries surrounding the link.

The costs for the realization of the tunnel have been estimated at €5.1bn. The costs for modification of the infrastructure at the Danish and German side of the link have been estimated at €1.5bn, which make the total cost €6.6bn. The preparation and design works for this project are expected to take another three years. The fixed link is intended to become operational at the end of 2020.

The definite decision for an immersed tunnel will mean a continuation of the TEC involvement up to the completion of the project.