By: ViaCon Norway
Project Summary
This innovative wildlife crossing project helps protect reindeer while improving safety along Norway’s busy E6 highway corridor. The structure combines environmental stewardship and modern engineering to support wildlife migration while reducing potential vehicle collisions.
Creating a Safer Route for Reindeer
As traffic volumes increased along Norway’s E6 highway, officials recognized the need to improve safety for both motorists and migrating reindeer.
The solution was a dedicated wildlife crossing designed to help reindeer safely move across the roadway while maintaining traditional migration patterns. By separating wildlife and vehicle traffic, the project helps reduce the risk of collisions and supports long-term habitat connectivity.
Projects like this demonstrate how modern infrastructure can balance transportation needs with environmental stewardship. Similar conservation goals can be seen in the Wildlife Crossing Overpass Supports Conservation Goals, where infrastructure improvements helped create safer passage for wildlife.
Designing Around Challenging Terrain
The crossing site presented several unique challenges.
The structure required an angle in the longitudinal direction so it could fit within a space previously carved out of the mountain for the E6 roadway. Designers needed a solution that would adapt to existing site conditions while minimizing construction impacts.
Designed by Sweco Norge AS and constructed by ViaCon Norway, the crossing was placed on concrete foundations and secured using M22 stainless steel anchor bolts. To reduce concrete usage and shorten construction time, the design incorporated a steel collar system.
The project highlights how structural plate systems can be adapted to challenging site conditions while supporting both transportation and environmental objectives.
Building the Crossing
Construction moved quickly despite the complexity of the animal crossing structure.
The structure contains approximately 200 tons of steel and was assembled in October 2020. Installation took roughly three weeks, with all construction work performed by ViaCon Norway and crane operations provided by Polarkran AS.
The structural plate crossing was engineered to handle up to 24.3 feet of cover, including snowmobile and service road loads above the structure. The finished installation opened before Christmas 2020.
This structural plate crossing project also marked Norway’s first installation utilizing 500×237 mm corrugation, demonstrating the continued evolution of steel infrastructure solutions for larger spans and increased loading requirements.
Why Wildlife Infrastructure Matters
Wildlife crossings provide benefits that extend well beyond the animals they protect.
By maintaining migration routes, reducing habitat fragmentation, and improving roadway safety, these structures help communities meet both transportation and environmental goals. As agencies continue seeking sustainable infrastructure solutions, wildlife crossings are becoming an increasingly important tool.
The environmental focus of this project shares similarities with the Restoring a Trout Stream Through Golf Course Grounds, where infrastructure improvements helped restore important natural resources.
Engineering for a Sustainable Future
The completed Norway animal crossing structure demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can solve complex challenges while delivering lasting environmental benefits.
By creating a safe route for reindeer migration and improving highway safety along the E6 corridor, the project serves as a model for future wildlife infrastructure efforts throughout the world.
The project also reinforces many of the sustainability benefits highlighted in NCSPA’s Why Steel resource center, including durability, adaptability, and long service life.