Raftsund Bridge, Cantilever road bridge in Hadsel, Norway.
Raftsund Bridge is a cantilever road bridge in Hadsel that spans across a strait between two islands. This prestressed concrete structure stretches 711 meters and features two traffic lanes on a 10.3 meter wide roadway with 45 meters of clearance above the water for maritime traffic.
Construction of this structure began in 1996 and was completed in 1998 using modern prestressed concrete techniques. The project provided the final critical link connecting the Vesteralen islands to the mainland road network.
This bridge represents Norwegian engineering capabilities in connecting isolated island communities across challenging northern maritime landscapes. It transformed how people move between the islands, replacing ferry dependency with direct road access.
The bridge provides two-way traffic access for all vehicle types crossing between the islands. Visitors should exercise caution during rough weather and strong winds, as maritime conditions across the strait can become challenging at any time.
The structure features four main spans with the central section reaching 298 meters, making it one of the longest single cantilever spans in the region. Prestressed concrete technology allowed engineers to complete the structure without intermediate supports across the difficult maritime conditions.
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