INNOVATIVE PONTOON BRIDGE CONNECTS DELSJÖN’S SCENIC SHORES
Located in the south-eastern outskirts of Gothenburg, the Delsjö nature reserve is a popular destination, drawing over one million visitors annually. Its key attractions include the interconnected lakes of Lilla and Stora Delsjön, surrounded by an extensive network of paths, bridleways and trails catering to hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Notably, the scenic long-distance trail Bohusleden traverses this captivating landscape. Moreover, the two lakes play a vital role in Gothenburg’s public drinking water system. Sourced from the river Göta Älv via a tunnel, water is pumped into the lakes, where it undergoes a month-long respite before being treated and distributed through municipal water mains.
In 2023, the municipality of Gothenburg, responsible for the reserve, sought to rejuvenate its infrastructure. Partnering with SF Marina, they embarked on a project to replace pontoons that had reached their designated life-span with 160 metres of state-of-the-art floating concrete pontoons, spanning Stora Delsjön, connecting Bratteklev’s headland and the Gundla marsh. Instead of conventional steel reinforcement, the new pontoons are strengthened with basal fibre, resulting in lighter structures as they require less concrete. This approach not only extends their lifespan but also enhances their environment-friendliness. Composed of floating pontoons – ten interconnected 15-metre pontoons plus a 10-metre one – the bridge is anchored securely by heavy chains and precast concrete anchors. Adorned with steel railings and a bathing jetty complete with a ladder for those inclined to swim, the walkway seamlessly integrates with the shoreline via two walkways, accommodating the fluctuations in water level that result from the reservoir’s drinking water operations.
