Development of requirements for design and steps for protection of the environment, illustrated by two major bridge projects in Denmark.

This paper describes how the Danish Road Directorate (DRD) works with the development and execution of construction of large infrastructure projects. The paper covers two parts: On the one hand the framework for reducing climate and environmental impact, and on the other the challenge of norms and standards. As cases, we will use two major bridge projects. As part of the basis for decisions the planning phase of infrastructure projects aims at providing the best way of meeting society's need for mobility, yet balancing many factors such as cost, time and environmental impact. The latter includes using the latest knowledge on climate and environmental impact as well as on the life cycle from cradle to grave of the infrastructure as input for a focused and cost-effective climate action. The planning also comprises factors that determine how biodiversity can be maintained as well as other considerations for the surrounding environment, including protected nature and habitat areas. This is exemplified by the new Roskilde Fjord Link project. Another major project, the future road and railway bridge crossing the Storstrøm, provides examples of the optimization of the design assumptions, considering the risks associated with the geotechnical conditions and relevant load conditions such as ice and ship impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]