Kåkern Bridge, Box girder bridge in Flakstad, Norway
The Kåkern Bridge is a box girder structure made of prestressed concrete that spans across the Kåkernsundet strait, connecting two islands in the Lofoten archipelago. The main span stretches over 170 meters and carries the E10 highway on a 10-meter wide roadway.
An older suspension bridge built in 1961 served this crossing before being replaced in 2002 with the current structure. The new bridge was constructed south of the original location, allowing traffic to continue uninterrupted during the transition period.
The bridge serves as a vital link between two island communities in the Lofoten archipelago, making daily life and travel between settlements possible. Travelers crossing it can sense how essential this connection is for people living in these remote northern regions.
The bridge is open year-round and carries traffic on the main E10 route, though winter conditions can be challenging in this northern location. Drivers should prepare for the mountainous coastal setting where weather can change rapidly and visibility may be limited.
The new bridge was built directly next to the old one to the south, allowing traffic to flow without requiring any detours during the transition period. This approach meant the older structure could be demolished only after the new one was fully operational.
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