Bridge to Viðey Island Planned by 2030

The City of Reykjavík plans to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, connecting Viðey island to Gufunes point, Reykjavík, by the year 2030, mbl.is reports. The bridge is part of the city’s 2010-2030 general zoning plan.

At a meeting Friday, last week, Mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson presented the city’s green plan and future investments. He noted that the bridge is part of the 2028-2030 project plan, with an estimated cost of ISK 1.4 billion (USD 11 million; EUR 9 million).

“We foresee connecting Gufunes point and Viðey island with a pedestrian and bicycle bridge,” Dagur stated, “thereby making the wonderful, peaceful outdoor area of Viðey more accessible to us.”

In response to an inquiry from mbl.is , the City of Reykjavík states that it is still unclear what the bridge will look like, and that most likely, a competition will be held to determine that. Its length will be 600-650 meters (about 2,000-2,100 feet).

Gufunes point is the location of the film studio Reykjavík Studios . The construction of apartment buildings near the studio is being planned. The first phase of the construction includes 73 apartments, expected to be completed in 2023. An international competition for that project is underway, the results of which can be expected in the spring.

The construction of a pedestrian bridge to Viðey island is not a new idea. It was debated at the beginning of the century. At the time, landowners of Viðey, as well as bird- and nature conservation groups, criticized the idea, arguing that connecting the island to Gufunes with a bridge would affect birdlife there and result in damage to vegetation.