Possible Als-Funen connection meets both criticism and admiration.

Fyn ()

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Possibility of Als-Fyn Connection Sparks Criticism and Enthusiasm

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The Transport Ministry has confirmed in a new report that it is technically feasible to establish a bridge between Als and Fyn.

Illustration: Hasløv and Kjærsgaard 10 minutes ago

A bridge between Fyn and Als is a technical possibility.

The Transport Ministry has confirmed this in a new investigation.

This news brings immediate enthusiasm from Inge Dahl, who is the chair of the organization Als-Fyn Broen, which is working to establish a permanent connection between Fyn and Southern Jutland.

- It's just fantastic. We've been waiting for this investigation, so it's a big Christmas present for us.

The report estimates that the bridge will cost 22.2 billion Danish kroner to build and requires a subsidy of 11.4 billion Danish krones if the project is to be economically integrated.

But it's all worth it, says Inge Dahl.

She highlights shorter travel times for the residents of Southern Jutland who need to go to Odense University Hospital, growth and jobs, and better connectivity between Fyn and the rest of Europe, as some of the benefits a bridge would bring:

- This is Denmark that needs to be connected. It has great value for the entire region, but also for Denmark.

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Investigation

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In 2021, a political majority initiated the investigation as part of an infrastructure plan for 2035 to determine whether it would eventually be possible to drive from Als to Fyn.

The investigation concludes that it is technically feasible to build a bridge between Als and Fyn and suggests the following solutions:

* A truss bridge in combination with a suspension bridge

* The recommended route goes from Fynshav on Als to the southern tip of Horneland on Fyn.

* The total costs are estimated to be 22.2 billion Danish kroner

* The toll for a passenger car is calculated to be 102 Danish kroner, and 269 Danish kroner for a truck over 12 tons.

* It requires a subsidy of 11.4 billion Danish krones, with a repayment period of 40 years.

* It is estimated that the bridge will save 45 minutes of travel time between Sønderborg and Odense.

Source: Report on a permanent connection between Als and Fyn ()

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Concerns for the Environment

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However, not everyone is thrilled about the idea of a new bridge.

Thomas Lundsfryd, who is the chair of the organization Sydfyns Fremtid, whose primary goal is to prevent the construction of an Als-Fyn bridge and motorway, has also read the new report:

- I think there are many negative things in the report that make it clear that this shouldn't go any further, he says, and elaborates that it concerns both economics and the environment.

Thomas Lundsfryd, chair of the organization Sydfyns Fremtid

- The road will go through a Natura 2000 area, and there is specific damage to protected species mentioned. Damage to flora and fauna around Arreskov Lake is noted, and the conclusion is that the bridge will not be economically viable.

Inge Dahl acknowledges that building a bridge will impact both nature and people in the area but still believes it is the right thing to do:

- We have to try to see how considerately we can do it. But you can't stop progress, and there is a need for development in Southern Denmark. It won't help anything if Southern Denmark goes into retirement because there aren't enough jobs and livelihoods.

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A Long Way to Go

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The government has not yet announced whether it will work to establish the permanent connection, and it seems that this is not a conversation that will be taken up right away.

Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen (V) informs Ritzau that the bridge discussion in the Folketing will not be taken up until next year.

- I look forward to going through the results of the investigation with the infrastructure plan 2035 working group in the new year, he writes.

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