HistoryThe bridge was originally planned to be either a suspension bridge or a symphony bridge (a combination of a suspension bridge, a cable-stayed bridge and a cantilever bridge) but the latter was dropped in 2008, as it would cost 520 million kr more. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration estimated the cost of a suspension bridge in 2008 to 1,860 million kr. In addition to the bridge, a tunnel between Trældal and Leirvika was planned, at an estimated cost of 85 million kr. The administration also worked on a method which would shorten the main span from 1,345 to 1,120 meters (4,413 to 3,675 ft), by placing pylons in the fjord.[3] The bridge had an inauguration ceremony on 9 December 2018 and was opened for traffic the same day.