New bridge deck reaches west bank of Ölfusá

The steel deck for a new bridge over the Ölfusá river has been pulled across to the west bank, mbl.is reported.

The 330-metre structure weighs 2,000 tonnes. Workers moved it across the river from the east bank using jacks, at an average speed of 10 metres per hour. The operation began on Monday and was scheduled to take 10 days, but progressed much faster than planned.

Many people watched from the west bank in Selfoss. At about 1.30pm, the steel framework reached the supports there. It is now resting on temporary piers and will be pushed a little farther towards the bridge’s base in the coming days.

Before that work can begin, a 60-metre temporary mast used to support the steel during the move must be taken down. The next stage will be to place concrete units on the bridge deck.