The Island Has 24 Residents. They Will Spend Hundreds of Millions to Build a Bridge
The authorities of Nordland have announced the construction of a bridge between Forvik and Hamnøya in the municipality of Vevelstad. The investment, estimated at NOK 448 million, is set to replace the current ferry connection. Currently, the ferry journey takes about ten minutes, but during the summer season, there are long queues and problems with transport availability.
The bridge is intended to improve conditions for residents, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa (zdjęcie poglądowe)
According to county authorities, the new crossing is expected to open up further development opportunities for the entire municipality. As emphasized by Aina Nilsen, who is responsible for the region's finances, the construction of the bridge is an opportunity not only for the 24 permanent residents of Hamnøya but also for local businesses.
Nilsen pointed out that the cost of modernizing the ferry quay at Vågsodden on Hamnøya has been estimated at NOK 132 million. She added that building the bridge would solve this problem and enable a permanent connection between the island and the mainland.
Nilsen pointed out that the cost of modernizing the ferry quay at Vågsodden on Hamnøya has been estimated at NOK 132 million. She added that building the bridge would solve this problem and enable a permanent connection between the island and the mainland.
Farmers and Residents Hope for Improvement
There are currently five farms operating on Hamnøya, all struggling with limited transport accessibility. Farmer Inger Robertsen admitted that the irregular ferry schedule makes milk collection and daily farm work difficult.
In the summer season, queues for the crossing reach up to 500 meters, and farmers fear they won’t make it home in time. Residents hope that the bridge will make everyday life easier and encourage new settlers to move to the island.
In the summer season, queues for the crossing reach up to 500 meters, and farmers fear they won’t make it home in time. Residents hope that the bridge will make everyday life easier and encourage new settlers to move to the island.
The bridge will replace the current ferry connection.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Investment Completion Planned for 2031
Regional authorities plan to complete the investment by 2031. The project is part of the Regional Transport Plan for 2022–2033 and is included in the financial plan for 2024–2027.
Richard Dagsvik, responsible for transport in Nordland, pointed out that currently only 15–20 cars use the ferry daily. According to calculations, building the bridge could bring annual savings of NOK 1.7 million by discontinuing the ferry service.
Richard Dagsvik, responsible for transport in Nordland, pointed out that currently only 15–20 cars use the ferry daily. According to calculations, building the bridge could bring annual savings of NOK 1.7 million by discontinuing the ferry service.
The Bridge as a Boost for the Local Community
The investment is also significant for tourism. There are 50 recreational properties on Hamnøya, which are used by regional residents during the summer season. The road connection could increase the island’s accessibility and improve conditions for the agricultural sector and local businesses.
For Hamnøya’s residents, the construction of the bridge is not only a symbolic connection to the mainland but, above all, a long-awaited change they say they have been waiting for since the 1980s.
For Hamnøya’s residents, the construction of the bridge is not only a symbolic connection to the mainland but, above all, a long-awaited change they say they have been waiting for since the 1980s.
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