Norwegian firm to assess tunnel link to Vestmannaeyjar

Eyjagöng ehf., the company behind a proposed tunnel link, has signed an agreement with Norwegian consultancy Norconsult to carry out a comprehensive cost and feasibility assessment of an underwater tunnel between Iceland’s mainland and Vestmannaeyjar, mbl.is reports.

The project is described as an important step in mapping the technical requirements for a transport improvement that could provide a year-round road connection between the mainland and the islands.

Norconsult has extensive experience in designing and assessing complex underwater tunnels in Norway, the Faroe Islands and internationally. It will use the latest data and international expertise to assess the project’s feasibility based on geological information collected by Eyjagöng this summer, as well as key tunnel safety standards, and to estimate construction costs.

The company’s Icelandic consultants, engineering firms Efla and Völuberg, have overseen and monitored exploratory drilling in the area. Their specialists are now compiling the geological basis for the project and will also produce a detailed cost and feasibility analysis.

Eyjagöng expects to present the feasibility assessment and other analyses at the end of the year.

Exploratory drilling at Landeyjasandur is scheduled to finish at the end of August. A total of 225.5 metres has been drilled out of the planned 300 metres.