Facts and figures
The new E18 between Kristiansand and Grimstad has reduced the number of accidents by 90 percent and cut travel time by 15 minutes.
NORWAY'S LARGEST ROAD PROJECT
E 18 Kristiansand-Grimstad opened in August 2009. The 38-kilometer four-lane motorway, including 61 bridges, 16 tunnels and 11 two-level junctions, is still Norway's largest road project ever.
From the section between Brønningsmyrkrysset and Songefjelltunellen.
90 PERCENT FEWER ACCIDENTS
The E 18 Kristiansand-Grimstad is designed for increased road safety. The number of accidents on the new road is 90 percent lower than on the old road. Almost all accidents result in minor injuries, unlike before, when many were seriously injured. Accidents are often caused by inattention, such as mobile phone use - and not the design of the road.
Old road: 51 people involved in accidents in one year (2006).
New road: 40 people involved in accidents over ten years (2010-2019).
FASTER TRAVEL TIME
E 18 Kristiansand-Grimstad is faster and straighter than before. Travel time has been reduced from 45 to 30 minutes. This means enormous savings for business and society. The road contributes to a more closely connected region and a better trunk road between Kristiansand and Oslo.
From the exit of the Studeheitunnel towards Lillesand.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE COOPERATION
E 18 Kristiansand-Grimstad is a public-private partnership (PPP). Private interests took responsibility for the design, construction and financing of the road. The private company Agder OPS is responsible for operations for the first 25 years, before the road is handed over to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
FACTS
Length:
38,300 meters of new four-lane highway
Start-up:
June 2006
Opened for traffic:
August 2009
Financing:
Equity and loans
Extent:
38.3 km of four-lane highway
75 km of local roads and feeder roads
61 bridges
8 tunnels
18 culverts (underpasses)
11 two-level junctions
28 tunnel portals
2 rest areas
Ancillary areas such as landfills, rigging areas and commercial areas
Key figures:
82,000 m3 of structural concrete
37,000 m3 shotcrete
25,000 tons of reinforcement
11,900 m tunnel
13,100 pcs Tunnel elements
57,500 pcs Bolts in tunnels
95,000 m Stormwater and drainage pipes
24,500 m Forest and tractor roads
12,500 m2 Natural stone walls
5,000 m2 Plastering under bridges
37,000 m High voltage cables
995,000 m Other cables
1,300 light poles
720 000 m2 asphalt
395,000 tons of asphalt
Total cost:
Cost NOK 3.3 billion (calculated as present value), payable over 25 years