Futuristic functionality
Holding a key position in the development of Stockholm’s inner city and region as a whole, Hjorthagen is a flourishing residential part of Östermalm. To the north, and separated by the Husarviken bay, lies Fisksjöäng, a charming, picturesque wetland that hitherto – except in ice cold winters – could only be reached by making a long detour further downstream or swimming across the bay. The imminent completion of the badly needed bridge will be a source of joy and a blessing for local pedestrians and cyclists.In their pursuit of creating sustainable and environmentally responsible communities, preserving the ring of greenery in and around this area has been a high priority for both planners and politicians. Creating a bridge suited to the location and meeting high aesthetic expectations would be a challenge in itself. By virtue of its experience and expertise in projects of this nature, Outokumpu was able to actively contribute to the solution and PSC Nordic was entrusted with primary responsibility for the project.
Straddling the Husarviken bay in Norra Djurgården, Husarviksbron is a hydraulic drawbridge that differentiates itself from most of its older counterparts in Stockholm. “This is a so-called design bridge where the demands on surface quality and performance are high. In other words, devoid of scratches, wear and mechanical defects,” says Mladen Perkovic, Head of Outokumpu Plate Service Center Nordic in Degerfors, Sweden, and also Site Manager for the Husarviken bridge project.
With the exception of the handrails, the entire bridge was prefabricated in our own premises, then shot blasted after our subcontractor completed the welding. “The original plan was to have everything fabricated before delivery, but drawings for the handrails were not ready when the bridge was ready for transport,” adds Perkovic. “Carried out by a special logistics company, the load was delivered during the night-time hours with some road adjustments being necessary due to the width of the bridge.”
Once delivered to the site, erection of the bridge was undertaken by the client, PEAB. “We’ve built stainless steel bridges in the past, but not with the curved form of the Husarviken bridge. It was also welded with an automatic welding robot which is new for us,” explains PEAB Area Manager for the project, David Eriksson. He also expressed his satisfaction with the co-operation with Outokumpu PSC Nordic. “Great partner with nice, down-to-earth people. It was a very good quality product which probably exceeded expectations,” added Eriksson.
Blend into the surroundings
The park and wetland surroundings of the location combined with the need to withstand the harsh Nordic climate meant that lightweight Outokumpu Forta Duplex stainless steel with a glass blasted surface finish was an appropriate choice. The material’s inherent aesthetic appeal also warrants it as highly suitable for a bridge that should be both functional and visually pleasing.
However, the project was not without its challenges. “In terms of welding, Husarviken was challenging. To meet the tolerances required, we had to use robot welding to ensure the highest level of consistent quality and that we maintained the same parameters everywhere throughout the bridge,” explains Perkovic.
Located further upstream in Husarviken are the premises of Ropsten Boat Club whose vessels traverse the bay on their way to and from Stockholm’s archipelago. For this reason alone, a drawbridge was necessary to enable leisure boats and yachts higher than 2.3 metres to pass.
Closer together
Without doubt, the Husarviken pedestrian bridge helps to bind the inner city and open it up to the surrounding areas of Greater Stockholm. Bringing communities closer together and improving the safety and quality of life for residents, commuters and visitors. Commenced in August, 2017, the bridge was opened in June, 2018.
Read more about the benefits of stainless steel in bridge building
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