Arup Completes Reusable Viewpoint for Tunnel Project
Developers can now utilize demountable designs to maintain public access without the high cost of permanent infrastructure.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Construction
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Engineering firm Arup has completed the Pilen viewpoint in Rødbyhavn, Denmark. The 217-metre structure allows the public to view the ongoing construction of the 18-kilometre Fehmarnbelt Tunnel.
Why it matters
The viewpoint serves as a public engagement tool for the large-scale Fehmarnbelt Tunnel project, which is scheduled for completion in 2029. It demonstrates how developers can integrate temporary, reusable infrastructure to manage public interest during long-term construction.
The Pilen viewpoint stands 24 metres above sea level and spans 217 metres in length, utilizing a timber and steel design. The project provides visibility for the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, which will ultimately reduce rail transit between Hamburg and Copenhagen to 2.5 hours.
The players
Arup
A global engineering and design consultancy that provides technical expertise and structural planning for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Femern
The contractor responsible for the oversight, planning, and execution of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel project.
The details
The viewpoint features a zigzagging walkway constructed of timber decking that creates elevated vantage points overlooking the tunnel portal. Arup engineered the structure for disassembly, meaning all foundations and components can be demounted and repurposed for future projects once the tunnel is completed. This design choice effectively lowers the environmental impact and cost of decommissioning temporary site infrastructure.
Timeline
The Pilen viewpoint reached completion in October 2026.
The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Market Landscape
The project follows the circular economy construction principles by designing temporary infrastructure specifically for future disassembly and reuse. This contrasts with traditional construction site temporary works, which are typically dismantled and discarded after a project concludes.
Operators should evaluate the feasibility of modular and demountable designs for temporary site facilities to reduce long-term material waste. This strategy is increasingly relevant for projects that require extended public engagement or operate under strict sustainability mandates.
The takeaway
Design-for-disassembly can transform temporary infrastructure from a cost center into a reusable capital asset. Owners should track the project lifecycle of the Pilen viewpoint to identify potential applications for modular site structures in their own operations.
Further reading
For more on evolving site requirements, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dezeen.
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