Øresundsbron's history

Behind today's Øresund Bridge is a history of visions and plans spanning more than a century. As early as the late 1800s, the idea of connecting Sweden and Denmark with a fixed link began to intrigue leading decision-makers. Due to the rapid technological development during the 20th century, ideas about a bridge or tunnel across the Øresund have resurfaced several times.

However, it was only after World War II that these ideas began to transform into concrete plans. During the 1950s and 1960s, formal negotiations between Sweden and Denmark began regarding the possibility of building a fixed link across the Øresund. During these negotiations, the technical, economic, and political consequences were considered.

The proposals and negotiations dragged on, but in 1987 the countries agreed on a joint plan and signed an agreement to investigate the possibilities of a fixed link. An important part of the investigation concerned environmental issues, which were a major part of the negotiations - excluding negative effects on the environment was crucial for both countries. When the environmental investigation was completed in 1989, decision-makers could proceed to make a decision.

The decision was formally made in 1991. Construction of the Øresund Bridge began in 1995 and continued until 1999. It was an enormous technical and engineering challenge, but the project was completed within the timeframe, and the bridge was inaugurated on July 1, 2000. The bridge quickly became an important part of the infrastructure between Sweden and Denmark and has had a significant impact on the economy and integration in the Øresund region.

Historical milestones

March 23, 1991 – The Bridge Agreement is Signed 
Denmark and Sweden sign the agreement to build a fixed link across the Øresund. 

September 16, 1993 
Construction begins on the Danish land facilities, which include 9 kilometers of motorway and 18 kilometers of railway. 

August 1995 – First Groundbreaking, Coast to Coast 
Construction of the coast-to-coast link begins. The first step involves dredging operations in the Øresund. 

April 1, 1997 
The first of two foundations for the high bridge pylons is towed from Malmö to the strait, where the foundations are lowered into a 17-meter-deep hole dredged into the seabed. 

August 8, 1997 
The first of a total of 20 tunnel segments is towed from the factory in Copenhagen's Nordhavn to Drogden, where it is lowered into the dredged tunnel trench. 

September 27, 1997 
The 9-kilometer motorway to Copenhagen Airport is inaugurated. 

September 27, 1998 
The 18-kilometer Øresund Line railway, connecting Copenhagen Central Station to Kastrup Airport, is inaugurated, marking the completion of Denmark's land connections to the Øresund Bridge. 

March 16, 1999 
The final meter of the immersed tunnel is cast, and the first car passes through the tunnel. 

August 14, 1999 – "Bridging the Gap" 
The fixed link between Sweden and Denmark becomes a reality. The final bridge span is put in place. The event, called "Bridging the Gap," is attended by 8,000 bridge builders along with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. 

December 1, 1999 – Railway Completed 
The last section of the railway between Copenhagen and Malmö is laid. 

June 9–12, 2000 – Open Bridge 
80,000 people cycle, run, rollerblade, or walk across the Øresund Bridge during public open bridge days. 

June 17, 2000 
The Outer Ring Road and Swedish land facilities are inaugurated. 

July 1, 2000 
The Øresund Bridge is officially opened by King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Margrethe of Denmark. Celebrations include a festival at Lernacken near Limhamn and at 5-øren and 10-øren near Kastrup. 

September 18, 2000 
Car number 1,000,000 crosses the Øresund Bridge. 

July 21, 2003 
Car number 10,000,000 crosses the Øresund Bridge. 

June 2004 
The rare green toad is discovered for the first time on Peberholm. 

November 1, 2006 
Caroline Ullman-Hammer assumes the position of CEO, succeeding Sven Landelius. 

May 2, 2010 
Car number 50,000,000 crosses the Øresund Bridge. 

June 12, 2010 
Nearly 30,000 runners cross the bridge during the Bridge Run – a 21.1-kilometer race from Denmark to Sweden. 

July 1, 2010 
The Øresund Bridge celebrates its 10th anniversary with a festival, fireworks, and the presentation of the Eldsjäl Award. 

June 2015 
For the first time, peregrine falcons nest on the Øresund Bridge. A pair raises two chicks in a falcon nest box installed on one of the bridge's pylons back in 2003. 

June 16, 2017 
Car number 100,000,000 crosses the Øresund Bridge. 

December 2017 
The Øresund Bridge’s four pylons are transformed into an advent candelabra to spread Christmas cheer across the Øresund region. 

March 1, 2018 
Øresund Bridge customers can now use their license plate as a payment method. 

Spring 2018 
Solar panels are installed at the toll station, starting to produce electricity for operations. 

July 1, 2020 
The Øresund Bridge celebrates its 20th anniversary with a live-streamed Lukas Graham concert from the top of one of the bridge’s 203.5-meter-high pylons. 

November 2020 
Linus Eriksson takes over as CEO, succeeding Caroline Ullman-Hammer. 

January 2020 
The first stroke of paint is applied in a major painting project. The Øresund Bridge’s steel structure receives new protective layers against corrosion and weather. The project is expected to be completed by 2032. 

February 2022 
The Øresund Bridge launches a major storm surge program to secure the link for the future. 

May 2022 
The Øresund Index is launched for the first time. It is the region's barometer of development, combining nine indicators within traffic, the labor market, business, and everyday integration. 

Spring 2023 
10,000 square meters of solar panels become operational on Peberholm. Previously, 3,000 square meters of solar panels were installed at the toll station. The goal is an annual solar power production of 2,500 MWh, covering approximately 45% of the Consortium's total consumption in 2024. 

July 2023 
Traffic records for daily, weekend, and weekly crossings are set in July 2023. A new monthly record: 923,496 crossings. 

June 2024 
Sweden’s Minister of Finance, Elisabeth Svantesson (M), and Denmark’s Minister of Taxation, Jeppe Bruus (S), sign a new Øresund Agreement. They also visit one of the Øresund Bridge’s pylons. The agreement simplifies cross-border work and business in the Øresund region.