In the lapse of the year 2013, the lower parts of the Aker River will have opened. This means that OperaKvarteret and Bjørvika will gain access to a new area for recreation, activities and boat life, again making the river available to the population of Oslo. Here you will enjoy the good life at the bank of the river.
The western part of the river together with the river outlet area will strive to develop the features of a city park. The eastern part will be the most popular given the length of sun light, and we want to preposition possibilities for outdoor restaurants and other activities.
It will simply not be possible to finish the work to re-open the river before the end of 2013 because the large development road projects in the area must be completed first. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration must first finish the demolition of the old traffic junction before the main street in Bjørvika, the street of Queen Eufemia, can enter the final stage of development.
Boating on the river
The work to open the river will make boat life possible, as well as other outdoor activities. The bridge constructions will have a minimum height of 2. 5 meters under every foot bridge in the area. The bridges in the Opera Street and the Street of Queen Eufemia will have a minimum height of two meters.
Rakish bridges
The bridge constructions shall be rakish and simple in order to avoid the impression of closing the river again. Existing granite walls will, to the largest possible extent, be kept as they are. In addition, the skirts and the area leading to the river estuary will be given a look that hints to the historical cultural river landscape.
In a few years time, you can take your small boat up from the fjord and up the river. The river banks will be equipped with numerous moors on both side of the river, enabling boaters to enter a cafe or a restaurant. Of course, this will give the area a whole new style and quality, especially during summer time.