Peab Leads Paving Operations in Zealand Highway Overhaul
Peab, a leading Nordic construction and civil engineering group, has secured a major roadworks contract through its Danish subsidiary, Peab Asfalt, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion in Denmark. The project involves comprehensive paving operations on the existing expressway between Hillerød and Allerød on the island of Zealand, which is undergoing a full transformation into a modern four-lane highway.
The client for the project is Zøllner A/S, a well-established Danish infrastructure contractor, which in turn was awarded the overall construction contract by the Danish Road Directorate—Denmark’s equivalent to Sweden’s Trafikverket. The total value of Peab Asfalt’s portion of the contract is DKK 82 million, which corresponds to approximately SEK 123 million.
Transforming Critical Infrastructure on Zealand
The expressway between Hillerød and Allerød currently serves as a vital corridor for regional and intercity traffic, connecting commuters and commercial transport between northern Zealand and the Copenhagen metropolitan area. The ongoing conversion of this 13.5-kilometer stretch into a full-fledged four-lane highway is expected to significantly enhance traffic flow, improve safety, and reduce congestion in the region.
Peab Asfalt’s contribution to the project is pivotal. The contract involves a wide range of services, including laying new asphalt across both existing and newly constructed sections of the roadway. This will also involve milling the existing pavement where new interchanges, on-ramps, and off-ramps will be introduced. Additionally, Peab will be responsible for paving four critical bridges that form part of the highway’s infrastructure and for implementing road markings across the route.
A Showcase for Sustainable Paving with ECO-Asfalt
What makes this project particularly notable is its strong environmental profile. In alignment with Peab’s wider commitment to climate-conscious construction practices, the entire paving work will utilize ECO-Asfalt®, a proprietary low-carbon asphalt solution developed by Peab.
ECO-Asfalt is produced using certified biogas rather than conventional fossil fuels such as natural gas, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with asphalt production. In this project, Peab will deliver approximately 105,000 tons of ECO-Asfalt, a volume expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 2,600 tons when compared to traditional methods.
“This is one of the largest orders Peab Asfalt Denmark has ever received, and it represents a very positive step forward for our Danish operations,” said Claus Terkildsen, Managing Director of Peab Asfalt Denmark. “We are particularly pleased that the entire asphalt delivery will consist of ECO-Asfalt. This significantly enhances the project’s green profile and further strengthens our position in the Danish infrastructure market.”
The use of ECO-Asfalt in such a high-volume, high-visibility project is also expected to have a ripple effect in the Danish construction sector, demonstrating that large-scale sustainability-focused road construction is both feasible and economically viable. It aligns with Denmark’s broader national climate goals, which include reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).
A Trusted Partnership Built on Experience
Zøllner A/S, the main contractor for the highway upgrade, has a long-standing working relationship with Peab Asfalt. Their partnership is built on a shared commitment to high-quality infrastructure delivery and sustainable practices. Over the years, the two companies have collaborated on several major projects across Denmark, and the current assignment continues that tradition.
Hassan Al-Najar, Department Head at Zøllner A/S, expressed confidence in Peab’s ability to deliver on the contract’s requirements. “Over the years, we’ve collaborated very well with Peab Asfalt,” he noted. “We have every confidence that, with their extensive experience and expertise, the work will be carried out to the highest standards.”
This trust is well-founded. Peab has built a reputation across the Nordic region for delivering complex infrastructure projects on time and within budget, often while integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies. With operations in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, Peab’s localized business model and emphasis on in-house production offer significant advantages in quality control, environmental compliance, and resource optimization.
Driving Long-Term Benefits for Zealand
The highway conversion project is expected to deliver long-lasting benefits for the local communities and businesses in Zealand. By transforming the existing expressway into a safer and more efficient highway, the project will:
- Improve regional connectivity: Faster and safer travel times between Hillerød, Allerød, and Copenhagen will benefit commuters and freight transport alike.
- Enhance road safety: The upgrade will bring the corridor up to modern highway standards, reducing accident risks through better lane design, lighting, and signage.
- Support economic development: Improved infrastructure is a known catalyst for local business activity, logistics efficiency, and real estate development.
- Contribute to climate targets: By using sustainable materials like ECO-Asfalt and integrating best practices in construction, the project directly supports Denmark’s and the EU’s climate commitments.
A Step Forward in Nordic Green Construction
Peab’s approach to integrating environmental responsibility into its core construction activities is a defining characteristic of its operations. The use of ECO-Asfalt is just one example of how the company is evolving its materials and processes to meet the growing demand for greener infrastructure.
Developed as part of Peab’s long-term sustainability strategy, ECO-Asfalt has already been applied in numerous projects across Sweden and Finland. Its introduction to Denmark at this scale reinforces Peab’s intention to be a leader in green construction across all its markets.
“Projects like this show that we can combine industrial efficiency, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure quality in one package,” said Claus Terkildsen. “It’s not just about meeting today’s standards—it’s about setting new benchmarks for the future.”
As the project progresses over the coming months, Peab Asfalt will be coordinating closely with Zøllner and the Danish Road Directorate to ensure timely delivery, minimal disruption to traffic, and full compliance with environmental and safety regulations. With a strong project team, cutting-edge paving technology, and a commitment to sustainability, Peab is well-positioned to deliver on the promise of this transformative infrastructure upgrade.
Once completed, the new highway will stand as a testament to Denmark’s commitment to modern, climate-friendly infrastructure—and Peab’s role as a trusted partner in building the roads of tomorrow.
