BREEAM Infrastructure Rv. 3 Tunna bru road improvement

Route 3 serves as a vital connection between Eastern and Mid Norway, forming part of the country's strategic transport network for both passenger and freight movement. The original Tunna bridge, constructed in 1950, had become inadequate for modern transport demands with its narrow 6-metre carriageway width falling short of current safety requirements. The project location in Tynset municipality presented additional challenges due to steep terrain and the need to cross the Tunna River while maintaining traffic flow.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration identified the urgent need for infrastructure improvement to ensure efficient, predictable, and safe transport operations. The project scope encompassed approximately 3.1 kilometres of road improvement, including a new bridge crossing and demolition of the existing structure. Environmental constraints included time restrictions on watercourse interventions and requirements to avoid permanent foundations contact with normal water levels due to flooding and ice drift risks.

The project encountered significant obstacles that tested the team's adaptability and technical expertise. The most substantial challenge occurred when all planned wooden bridges by Statens vegvesen were suspended following the collapse of Tretten bridge in Gudbrandsdalen. This safety-driven decision required complete design revision after contract signing, necessitating a shift from wooden construction to steel and concrete materials.

Working adjacent to heavily trafficked existing roads created ongoing operational challenges, particularly managing heavy transport movements while maintaining traffic safety. The steep terrain demanded extensive cutting and filling operations across ground conditions consisting primarily of loose material with some rock formations. Time restrictions on physical interventions in the Tunna River watercourse added complexity to construction sequencing and methodology.

The contractor noted that BREEAM Infrastructure certification was a contractual requirement rather than a voluntary pursuit, adding administrative and documentation demands to an already complex project timeline.

BREEAM Infrastructure provided the framework for developing systematic approaches to the project's environmental and technical challenges. The team established comprehensive mass handling plans during the tender phase, further developing these strategies after contract signing to optimise material flows and minimise waste generation.

The bridge foundation construction demonstrated innovative environmental protection through "dry" construction methodology. Temporary breakwaters were established around foundation areas, allowing water to be pumped out of construction pits. The erosion protection for these breakwaters proved exceptionally robust, withstanding winter ice conditions and spring flooding events while protecting the river environment.

Material efficiency became central to the project approach, with 98% of rock and soil cut masses being beneficially reused within the project boundaries. This comprehensive reuse strategy, totalling 270,000 cubic metres of material, eliminated the need for external disposal and significantly reduced transportation-related emissions. The team achieved 100% waste diversion from landfill, processing 4,345 tonnes of waste and demolition materials through recycling and beneficial reuse channels.

Despite the challenging circumstances and design changes, the project delivered measurable sustainability outcomes through its BREEAM Infrastructure approach. The exceptional 98% material reuse rate demonstrates how careful planning can transform potential waste streams into valuable project resources. Complete elimination of landfill disposal for all project waste sets a high standard for sustainable construction practices.

The project generated embodied carbon emissions of 12,738 tonnes CO₂ equivalent while achieving a 3% reduction compared to baseline scenarios. Operational renewable energy potential reached 829,343 kWh per year, contributing to long-term sustainability objectives. Additionally, 492 tonnes of recycled materials were incorporated into the construction, representing 5% of total material usage.

The innovative dry construction methodology for bridge foundations provided environmental protection while delivering a robust solution capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. The project enhanced regional connectivity and safety through improved road geometry and modern bridge infrastructure, supporting economic development across Eastern and Mid Norway.

However, the contractor acknowledged that BREEAM Infrastructure certification required significant additional resources, with 370 hours of project management and consultant time (approximately 370,000 NOK) plus direct certification costs of 120,000 NOK. The team noted that these costs were not offset by production phase savings, highlighting the importance of early integration of sustainability requirements in project planning.