Metro construction delays could cost 1bn kr

Company behind the Metro expansion warns of steep costs associated with possible half-year delays and urges reconsideration

Complaints to the nature and environment appeals board, Natur- og Miljøklagenævnet, have resulted in the end of night construction at the Metro site at Øster Søgade in the Østerbro district.

Metroselskabet, the company that operates the Metro, warns of delays to City Ring construction that could cost close to one billion kroner after the second Metro site in a week was forced to halt night work.

”Obviously, the City Ring is in a very difficult and risk-laden situation now,” Henrik Plougmann Olsen, the head of Metroselskabet, told Berlingske newspaper. “The kinds of delays we are now facing can potentially generate some considerable costs because construction risks being completed later than expected.”

It was just a week ago that Metroselskabet was forced to stop construction at their site at Copenhagen’s Marmorkirken (Frederik’s Church) after 6pm due to noise complaints.

As it stands, the processing of the complaints by Natur- og Miljøklagenævnet could take up to six months, and all night work at the involved sites will be suspended.

“We have previously estimated that if we are delayed by a year, it will cost an extra 1.2 to 1.5 billion kroner. Six-month delays because of the processing times will probably result in half that amount,” Olsen said.

But the delays and resulting costs could rise even further.

Neighbours to Metro construction sites have the possibility to lodge further complaints until Monday, August 12. Additional complaints could further delay the construction plans.

Olsen argued that the delaying effects of the complaints were not part of the original construction framework given to Metroselskabet by the City Council and the company has therefore not planned for such a scenario. He urged the complaints tribunal to also consider the project and not just the neighbours.

“We're talking about a 22 billion kroner construction project and such a massive undertaking will always irk some affected neighbours,” Olsen maintained. “On the other hand, the City Ring will move 230,000 passengers every day, so they should consider both parties during this phase of the construction process.”

Olsen said he believed that his company has shown great understanding for the plight of its site neighbours and has made considerable efforts to limit inconveniences at their building sites. 

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs