Jacobs Supports Landmark Marselis Tunnel Project in Denmark
The initiative, approved by the Danish Parliament in June 2025, addresses the growing volume of cargo trucks driven by increased container traffic at the port. Handling 70% of Denmark’s cargo, the Port of Aarhus recorded a 45% surge in container volume in July 2025, processing 86,835 twenty-foot equivalent units, up from 59,726 in June, marking a historic high. The tunnel will alleviate traffic pressure on Marselis Boulevard, improving urban mobility and efficiency.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with Jacobs and Rambøll providing construction management and mechanical and electrical design services. The tunnel’s design and planning phase is currently underway, leveraging the expertise of both firms to ensure a robust and efficient infrastructure solution. Michael Schmidt Vosgerau, senior project manager at the Danish Road Directorate, stated: “It is a complex task to build a tunnel on one of the busiest access roads to Aarhus. We will need international experience, because there are no similar projects like this that have been delivered before in Denmark.”
The Marselis Tunnel project is a response to the port’s critical role in Denmark’s logistics network and the increasing demand for efficient cargo transport. The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association notes that the tunnel’s cut-and-cover design will facilitate seamless integration with existing infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption during construction.
By redirecting truck traffic underground, the project aims to enhance road safety, reduce congestion, and improve the quality of life for Aarhus residents. The collaboration between Jacobs and Rambøll brings together global engineering expertise and local knowledge, positioning the project for success. The tunnel is expected to support the port’s continued growth while contributing to sustainable urban development in Aarhus.
This initiative reflects Denmark’s commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure to accommodate rising cargo demands. The Marselis Tunnel will strengthen the connectivity between the Port of Aarhus and the national motorway network, fostering economic efficiency and supporting the region’s logistics hub status.
