The design of a new bridge across the river Múlakvísl in South Iceland is in the finishing stages and it is assumed that tenders for the construction can be offered next spring. The old bridge was destroyed by a glacier burst from Mýrdalsjökull, possibly caused by a minor volcanic eruption in Katla, in July 2011.

Mýrdalsjökull. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

The bridge is part of the Ring Road and the flood proved a major hazard during the peak of the tourism season. A new temporary bridge was constructed in seven days and it is believed that it can last for at least another year, ruv.is reports.

Preparations for the new bridge began earlier this autumn. Concrete pillars that are to support the bridge, with a combined length of three kilometers, are being stored in the Icelandic Road Administration’s facilities in Vík.

The construction of the new bridge, roads and levees by Múlakvísl is estimated to cost more than ISK 1 billion (USD 7.9 million, EUR 6.2 million), ISK 200 million more than originally assumed.

It remains unclear how half of the project will be funded. The Road Administration suggests that the remainder of the amount be contributed in 2013 and 2014.

“The new bridge will be two meters higher than the old one, a block of stone which will sustain collisions with a few icebergs,” commented Bjarni Jón Finnsson, senior project manager of the Road Administration in Vík, adding that nothing will be saved in the construction.

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ESA