The status of many and varied projects in the town

A growing municipality like Hafnarfjörður entails a large number of projects of various sizes, all over the town. Fortunately, Covid has not significantly delayed any of the projects, and every effort has been made to keep them on schedule; in fact, the pace has even been increased where possible. 

The town newspaper Hafnfirðingur He/She/They familiarised themselves with the status of the main projects within the municipality from Helga Stefánsdóttir, Director, and Sigurður Haraldsson, Head of Department, at the Environment and Planning Department of Hafnarfjörður Municipality. 

The doubling of the Reykjanesbraut possibly the most visible project. 

The City of Hafnarfjörður's projects vary in size, and some of them must be put out to tender in the European Economic Area. „We are working in line with the 2020 budget, with additional funding that was added this spring for the Covid action plan.“ says Helga. The dualling of the Reykjanesbraut is possibly the most visible project, as many people drive on it and it will have a major impact on transport through the town. „For example, Covid has not delayed the works, as far fewer tourists are driving there than usual, which means less traffic and fewer delays. Many residents are also pleased with the noise barriers that have been installed along the runway.“ Helga and Sigurður agree that the townspeople have shown great patience with the works in the town, and they wish to express their special gratitude for this. 

The main projects for the year are as follows:

Ásvallabraut: A new road is being built over Ásfjall, which will connect Velli and Kaldárselsveg. Roadworks and the laying of services are underway. The project is scheduled for completion on 1 October 2021. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FV23ocN5uY

Reykjanesbraut: The dualling of the road between Kaldárselvegur and Krýsuvíkurvegur is nearing completion, along with improvements to pedestrian crossings over the carriageway. The project is due for completion late this year. 

^{Reykjanesbraut in 2018. Photo/OBÞ}

^{Reykjanesbraut, 26th October. Photo/Guðmundur Fylkisson.}

Field Marshal: The Vallaræsi, part of the town's sewerage system, will take sewage from part of the Vallahverfi district, as well as Skarðshlíð, Hamranes, and parts of the Ásland and Vatnshlíð districts. The estimated completion date is 30 October 2021. Blasting and scaling can be expected to continue into the winter, with earthworks completed by spring and surfacing works next summer.

^{Overview of the works at Vallaræsi.}

North Bank: A precursor to further development and final works on the North Shore. In the first of four phases in the autumn of 2020, rock armour will be installed on the bank. Other phases include rock armour on the North Quay (summer 2021), the reconstruction of the North Quay and the surfacing of the North Bank.

^{The North Shore is set to become one of Hafnarfjörður's natural gems. Photo: Hafnarfjörður Municipality}

Skarðshlíð: Work is currently underway to create walking trails in part of the area, or at Hádegisskarð towards Hraunskarð. This is the first phase of the area.

^{The Skarðshlíðar neighbourhood in July. There has certainly been a great deal of development there since then. Photo/Guðmundur Fylkisson}

Hamranes: Work is beginning on road construction and utilities in Hamranes, the town's newest housing estate. This is the first phase of the project, and it is scheduled for completion next summer.

^{Drawing of the Hamranes district/ONNO ehf.}

^{Hamranes, 10 November. Photo: Gudmundur Fylkisson.}

South Bay Pool: A complete renovation of the roof is underway and the work will be completed before Christmas. 

^{The roof of the Suðurbær swimming pool is undergoing a complete renovation. Photo/Eva Ágústa Aradóttir}

St. Joe's: Concrete repairs have been carried out this summer, and the exterior of the house is currently being finished. The work also includes paving the area outside and repairing the entrance from Suðurgata. A fire escape will also be installed on the south side of the building. These works are due for completion before Christmas.

^{Part of St. Jó in late summer. Photo/submitted}

Sólvangur: The ground floor of the older Sólvang building was completely refurbished and fitted out for general day care, specialist day care, and a kitchen, with the surrounding facilities also renovated. The works are now largely complete.

^{Old Sólvangur. Photo/já.is}

Skarðshlíð School: The third phase of the school is nearing completion: the staff wing, classrooms and sports hall. The contractor is finishing their work, as this is the final stage of the school's construction. The total area is 9,000 square metres. The school includes a nursery, a primary school, a music school and a sports hall.

^{Skarðshlíðar School keeps growing and growing. Photo/submitted}

Residential unitsA new residential unit for six individuals is being built at Öldugata, and at the same time, the residential unit at Einiberg, where individuals are in room-based accommodation, is being closed. Completion is scheduled for May 2021. A new residential unit was opened at Arnarhrauni 50 in mid-summer 2020, and 4 of the 6 residents have moved in. 

^{The foundation of the residential core on Öldugata a year ago. Photo/Guðmundur Fylkisson}

An interview with Helga and Sigurður was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 10 November 2020.