Jernbaneverket has awarded the NOK 1.3 billion tunnelling contract for a second Ulriken tunnel in Western Norway.
Skanska Norway and Strabag AG are to construct a new tunnel beside the existing Ulriken tunnel, which opened in 1964, to increase capacity for both freight and passenger traffic along the route.
An additional tunnel will also improve safety as one of the tunnels could be used as an escape route in case of an emergency.
Tunnel boring machines are to be used to construct the 7.8-kilometre tunnel in Bergen rather than blasting which tends to be the preferred method for road and rail tunnelling projects in Norway.
As well as the new tunnel, further investment will be made to redevelop Arna Station and upgrade the line’s signalling system.
