European route E18

The E18 is the main western approach to Stockholm north of Lake Mälaren. It currently has freeway status only as far as Järfälla, about 20 km northwest of the city. After that it becomes a noisy dual carriageway, with no less than 16 intersections over the next 8 km or so. This stretch of road, which carries 50 000 vehicles per day, is notorious for accidents and has long tailbacks during rush hours. It passes through both residential and commercial districts, as well as precious green space which leads to a nature reserve. To improve matters, this stretch of the E18 is currently being upgraded to freeway status and is also being re-routed partially via Kista Science City, Sweden’s leading ICT business park, before crossing over the E4 about 12 km north of Stockholm. The scheme will include six new multi-level interchanges, extensive noise-attenuation measures and water run-off treatment.

 

There is significant infrastructure along the route, the geology is tricky and the demands are high. While there will be considerable disruption during the 6-year construction period, the rewards will be worth it, for the scheme will improve the flow of both transit and local traffic, include new local roads, ameliorate the environment, give much better access to facilities and broaden the scope for rational development.

 

Nitro Consult has been commissioned to carry out structural surveys of buildings and other infrastructure along the route of the E18 reconstruction. We are also responsible for determining the blast-energy limits and for measuring, monitoring and reporting vibration and noise. Since the project involves considerable earthworks, rock blasting and piling, as well as the construction of several diversions in an environmentally sensitive area, the demand for appropriate and accurate controls is high. The project client is the Swedish National Road Administration (Vägverket).