Ring Road Extension and Climate Proofing in Horsens 

THE CITY CENTER IS PROTECTED FROM FLOODING 

The extension of Ringvej Syd will create easier access for heavy traffic to the Port of Horsens and relieve the approach roads and several residential areas in Sydbyen. It will be an approx. 5 km long stretch from Bjerrevej to Bollervej and from there further north to the port in Horsens. 

However, the extension of Ringvej Syd is far from just a traffic project. Horsens Municipality kills two birds with one stone, as the road will provide traffic benefits and create effective storm surge protection. 

Horsens’ city center is particularly exposed to rising water levels in Horsens Fjord. In the last few decades, there have been floods, the largest of which in 2006 caused major damage in the city’s lower parts. 

The new ring road will help keep the water out. The road crosses Horsens Fjord on two dams, which will act as climate protection against high water levels in the fjord. In the dam at the outlet of Bygholm Stream, a sluice and a pumping system capable of pumping 30 m3/s of water into the fjord will be established. At the outlet of Dagnæs Bæk, a sluice will be established. 

This will be one of the most efficient pumping systems for climate protection of a Danish city to date, putting Horsens at the forefront in terms of pumping and sluice capacity for storm surge protection. 

BRIDGES, TUNNELS AND CROSSING OTTERS 

As a total consultant for the municipality, and with LYTT as sub-consultant, SYSTRA is responsible for the design of the two road dams with a pump construction and two sluice systems. In addition, the assignment includes construction works on the rest of the stretch, including detailed design for tenders for four bridges, two tunnels and a partial design of the intersecting roads. 

The ring road will run through a nature area, and the project will take the area’s otter population into account. One of the tunnels will be a fauna passage designed for otters living close to the coast. 

To reduce the noise from the road in residential areas, the road will be dug 4-6 m below ground level. This also means that the road will not be as visible in the landscape on these stretches.