Transportation

Bus lane by Rauðagerði, Reykjavík

EFLA designed a priority bus lane on Miklabraut highway, as well as walking and cycling path, with vegetated noise barrier between the road and the path. 

About this Project

Client
Reykjavík city, Vegagerðin (Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration) and Veitur (Utilities PLC) 

Timespan
2016

Location
Reykjavík, Iceland

Contacts

The project's objective

The aim of the project was to design a priority bus lane on Miklubraut highway from the footbridge by Rauðagerði to the off-ramp to Reykjanesbraut. At the same time, separated walking and cycling paths were designed, as well as noise barrier, special drainage systems, street lights, road signs and markings. The project had to be divided into three phases and construction signs for each phase to be designed.

With Miklabraut being one of the main roads in Reykjavík, the project required among other things a temporary bus stop and restricted access for pedestrians and cyclist during the construction period.

The priority bus lane is created by widening the existing road, and the surrounding area is upgraded, including the bus stop. The noise berm consists of a steep slope on the side facing Miklabraut and a noise wall on the other side. The steep slope is built with rock-filled gabion units. A viewing platform is placed at the top of the berm and vegetation is planted on the berm to create an appealing appearance. The noise walls are either wooden or free-standing gabion units with the same appearance as the steep side of the berm.

Environmental issues

Green run-off water systems were applied in the residential area. 

EFLA's role

  • Pavement design, roads, walking and cycling paths
  • Drainage systems
  • Street lights 
  • Road signs and markings
  • Tender documents

The project's long term benefits

The execution improves the bus traffic flow as well as increasing traffic speed and safety of cyclists and pedestrians with separation of paths. In addition, habitants will experience better noise cancellation with the installation of a sound barrier.