Kanin Fjord Entry 6: Anders Plass
For over 7 decades Hel’s Bend has been a treacherous drive for villagers and truckers alike. The narrow and crumbling roadway frequently glazes with ice in the winter, floods during storms, and is covered in seafoam at high tide. Every year, dozens of accidents occur on this short, yet significant stretch of road.
Originally, the town thought that the construction of the Industrivei Bridge would offer a viable bypass for truckers leaving the South Port; however, this bridge ended up being more problematic than anticipated, particularly due to icing issues. Additionally, the bridge did not provide an alternative for the transportation of shellfish between the South Port and Kanin Fiskefabrikk.
Eventually, Kanin Fjord decided to reconstruct the roadway into a safer and faster route. Proposed designs of the new roadway were ambitious and even the most modest of proposals required outside funding. Commercial interest in the town was already high, and Kanin Fjord began collaborating with outside developers on the design for the project.
Developers wanted returns on their investments and attained permits by the town for the construction of several townhomes, a hotel, and modern condominiums along the new roadway, which came to be known as Anders Plass. After months of searching and negotiations, eventually, three developers decided to invest in the project.
During the design phase, Alders Plass became more than just a roadway improvement and development project, it turned into a project that would redefine the very look and nature of the village. Additionally, the project was interconnected with future plans for the reconstruction of the South Port and creation of a protected harbor.
Before and After Pics
Intersection of Havet and Lakseveien.
Havet has been extended to the south behind the shell station and access to the South Port from Lakseveien has been cut off.
Intersection of Lakseveien and Gjedde Vei.
Gjedde Vei between Lakseveien and Kanin Allé has been demolished. This portion of the project also, unfortunately, resulted in the demolition of two homes.
Hel’s Bend.
The original road has been completely demolished, the ground elevated, a new seawall built, and the new higher-speed roadway constructed. Hel’s bend is no more, and the new Havet roadway is now the safest road in the village.
Aerial overview of the development site.
It is much clearer in this image the homes and roadways that were demolished and replaced with the new roadway.
Additional Pics of Anders Plass
The yellow building is Sykkelherberget (translates to "The bicycle hostel"), and is Kanin Fjord's first hotel. The hostel has 40 beds for rent, and employees 20 residents. Due to the influx of new residents, most people moving into town end up staying here until they can make separate living arrangements. The pink buildings in the front are new condominiums, and the brick building in the background is Kapteinens rekke.
Kapteinens rekke (translates to "Captain's Row") is a large group of upper-middle class townhomes. This development aimed at housing the town's wealthy ship captains, hence the name. The upper units have the highest rent, but least space; therefore, each 3rd floor unit is given a single private garage across the street.
Here is the new pedestrian/ bicycle path created in the location of the former Gjedde Vei Road. With the high cost of vehicles, price of gas, and difficultly in getting parts for vehicle repairs, over half of the village's population either walks or uses bicycles to get around. The new walkway provides a shortcut to the village center.
Anders Plass at night.
Hope everyone has enjoyed this latest entry. Another major addition to the town is just around the corner.
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