Denmark’s Transport Ministry, under pressure from private developers and some politicians, has agreed to fund a feasibility study for a link between its two main parts, Jutland and Zeeland, separated by the Kattegat Sea.
Earlier discussions had raised estimates that a link for road and rail might cost about $22 billion. Proponents say the cost would be paid by user fees and tolls, while opponents say that more money would be needed. The crossing, which might be either a bridge or a bridge-tunnel combination would be built in the area circled on the map above.
Supporters say the route would cut rail travel between Aarhus and Copenhagen from three hours to 58 minutes; opponents question whether there is enough rail traffic to justify the much larger cost of a combination structure. Aarhus-Copenhagen travel currently uses a bridge that crosses a strait east of Odense.
According to Transport Minister Ole Birk Olesen, “The potential for a Kattegat connection is enormous, and if calculations show that it can be realised via user payments, it makes sense to begin a feasibility study as soon as possible. That’s why I am pleased that we have allocated money to this end from 2019, provided initial assessments show it is viable to move forwards with the project.” That’s a very big if.
