New motorway to promote regional growth and connectivity in Central Jutland.
A new route between Billund and Give is set to improve mobility, relieve traffic congestion and support long‑term development for people and businesses in Central Jutland, Denmark, while caring for the surrounding natural environment.
As part of this effort, the Danish Road Directorate has appointed COWI as the lead consultant on the project. Over the coming years, COWI will support the development and execution of the new motorway, from early design through construction, contributing technical expertise in close collaboration with the Danish Road Directorate and local stakeholders.
The 18‑kilometre motorway section will ease pressure on local roads and improve access to Billund Airport. Carsten Heine Lund, senior vice president of transportation at COWI, said: “This project is crucial for regional mobility and everyone who relies on safe and efficient travel every day. We look forward to continuing our long-standing collaboration with the Danish Road Directorate in creating a connection that strengthens Central Jutland.”
Creating space for nature and protected species
Behind the project lies a clear ambition to create infrastructure that strengthens everyday life while caring for the natural environment it passes through.
The new road requires that significant areas of replacement nature be established, including new habitats for protected species, such as the red-listed birch mouse, which relies on connected, undisturbed landscapes. In close cooperation with landowners and local communities, areas for new nature are being identified and developed. This partnership approach ensures that the environmental solutions are rooted in local priorities.
The establishment of wildlife crossings along the route will also help large animals, such as roe deer and red deer, move safely across the landscape and maintain their natural migration patterns.
Cleaner water through nature-based drainage
An interesting challenge in the project is managing and purifying the rainwater that runs off the road surface. With stricter environmental standards in place, the water leaving the motorway must be cleaner than ever. COWI project manager Carsten Sandgaard Christensen, said: “We’re building through areas where nature is fragile, so we work carefully to safeguard species and water environments. This includes nature-based filtration methods, which allow us to clean rainwater on the road using natural materials that work with the landscape instead of against it.”
Working with innovative solutions, such as nature-based filtration, is an important step, added COWI’s executive business development director for infrastructure Jesper Asferg: “At a time when every project calls for tough prioritisation, it is both necessary and commendable that the project gives space to innovation. Prioritising innovative solutions is not only wise; it is what enables us to deliver long‑term value for society.”
When completed, the Billund–Give motorway will play a key role in the broader development of Jutland’s infrastructure, alongside major projects, such as the Third Limfjord Link and other parts of the planned motorway through Central Jutland (Midtjyske Motorvej).
