By: ViaCon Norway
Project Summary
The E6 Storhove-Øyer Railroad Overpass in Lillehammer, Norway, earned the 2026 NCSPA Structural Plate/Buried Bridge Project of the Year Award for demonstrating how corrugated steel structural plate can accelerate complex bridge construction. Installed during a single 72-hour rail closure, the project minimized disruption while delivering a durable, long-term transportation solution.
Some bridge projects are measured in years. This one was measured in hours.
As part of Norway’s new four-lane E6 highway corridor through Lillehammer, crews needed to replace a railroad overpass spanning an active railway. The challenge was enormous. The existing bridge had to be demolished, new foundations installed, a massive structural plate bridge assembled, backfilled, and reopened to rail traffic during a tightly controlled 72-hour closure.
Working with general contractor AF Anlegg AS, ViaCon Norway delivered the concept and detailed design, authority approvals, fabrication coordination, and installation planning for a corrugated steel soil-steel structure that met the demanding schedule. Fabricated by ViaCon Poland, the completed project earned the 2026 NCSPA Structural Plate/Buried Bridge Project of the Year Award for its innovative design and exceptional constructability.
Building Around a 72-Hour Deadline
Replacing infrastructure over an active railway leaves little room for error.
Every phase of the project had to be carefully coordinated before the first piece of steel arrived on-site. The demolition of the existing concrete bridge, installation of new concrete foundation elements, placement of the structural plate sections, and backfilling all had to occur during a single scheduled rail possession lasting less than 72 hours.
Rather than viewing the compressed schedule as a limitation, the project team designed the entire construction sequence around it. Careful planning allowed work to progress continuously throughout the closure, minimizing disruption to both highway and rail traffic.
Engineering a Structure for Speed
Working alongside Sweco and Norconsult, ViaCon engineered a corrugated steel soil-steel arch that balanced structural performance with constructability. The structure was preassembled into nine transportable sections sized specifically for the site’s limited access and the lifting capacity of a 450-ton crane.
The crane operations, coordinated with Nordic Cranes, allowed each section to be placed efficiently from only two lifting positions. Once installed, AF Anlegg AS and subcontractor Løype Anleggsdrift AS immediately began backfilling operations to maintain the aggressive construction schedule.
The modular approach transformed what could have been a lengthy bridge replacement into a precisely choreographed installation.
Delivering More Than a Bridge
ViaCon’s role extended well beyond supplying structural plate.
The company served as the project’s total subcontractor, managing concept development, detailed engineering, authority approvals, fabrication coordination, and installation planning. Throughout the process, ViaCon worked closely with Norway’s rail infrastructure manager and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to streamline technical reviews and approvals across multiple stakeholders.
That level of coordination reduced project risk while ensuring every component arrived ready for installation when the rail closure began.
Built for Long-Term Performance
While installation speed captured attention, durability remained equally important.
The completed structure features a corrugated steel soil-steel arch spanning nearly 44 feet with a rise of more than 24 feet. Measuring approximately 321 feet along the top and 386 feet along the bottom, the bridge incorporates approximately 20,000 bolts connecting 810 structural plates.
To maximize service life, the structure combines hot-dip galvanizing with an epoxy coating system, providing long-term corrosion protection for one of Norway’s most important transportation corridors.
A Project That Showcases Modern Structural Plate Solutions
Large infrastructure projects often require balancing speed, safety, durability, and constructability. The E6 Storhove-Øyer Railroad Overpass demonstrated that corrugated steel structural plate can successfully deliver all four.
Through careful planning, modular construction, and close collaboration between ViaCon, AF Anlegg AS, Sweco, Norconsult, and numerous project partners, the team transformed an extremely limited construction window into an award-winning success.
The result is more than a bridge. It is an example of how modern corrugated steel structural plate systems continue to solve complex infrastructure challenges while keeping critical transportation networks moving.