Great Belt Fixed Link

Dissing+Weitling and Landscape Architect Jørgen Vesterholt was selected in 1988 to fulfill the overall vision of creating a clear and easily understood structure in harmony with the landscape.

It is still among the world's largest bridge and tunnel constructions and a milestone in Danish in architecture and engineering history. Dissing+Weitling worked closely with the engineering team in both the design and construction phase, and was responsible for the design of all visible structures and for ensuring that they fit in with the landscape. In addition, Dissing+Weitling developed the general guidelines and specifications for the detailed design of equipment and permanent buildings, lighting, signs, surfaces and colors.

All solutions and ideas were tested in the early stages of this massive architectural project through extensive sketches and model construction.

The Eastern Bridge

The almost seven-kilometre-long Eastern Bridge is a suspension bridge with a long main span and high pylons creating a spectacular and memorable sight. The bridge cables span over the 254-metre-high pylons from anchor block to anchor block. The pylons are among Denmark's highest points. The cables on the Eastern Bridge have a free span of 1,600 metres; the second longest in the world. The most eye-catching and iconic element of the construction is highlighted when the Eastern bridge is used for PR purposes. The bridge has also become a popular symbol of solid Danish expertise and sound craftsmanship.

Half way across the Great Belt is the island of Sprogø, where the bridges and the eight-kilometre-long tunnel meet.

Work on the Great Belt Link took place before digital visualisation had been developed. Therefore Dissing+Weitling made a huge number of sketches and models. The upper picture is of model pylons and anchor blocks.

Drawing by Gudrun Gustafsdottir.