The Arna - Bergen project involves the construction of a new 7.8km tunnel alongside the existing 7.6km Ulriken Tunnel, which will increase capacity along what Bane Nor says is the busiest single-track line in Northern Europe. Bane Nor celebrated breaking through the tunnel in September 2017, with the full track doubling project scheduled for completion in 2024.
Work along the 1.3km Bergen - Fløen section will be difficult, as both passenger and freight services will continue to operate along the single-track line while the second track is constructed beside it.
The contract includes the preparation of a detailed plan for the project, covering track, signalling and electrification. Cowi will also be responsible for managing the geotechnical, storm water and environmental aspects of the projects, which will need to be closely controlled to allow services on the line to continue.
“Much of the construction work has to be done in close proximity to tracks with train traffic,” says Cowi assignment manager, Mr Marius Ertshus Mathisen. “Cowi plans to use building information modelling (BIM) that includes construction time as a fourth dimension. This means that we constantly see when the various objects are to be built.”
Once completed, the project will enable 15-minute frequencies for passenger services between Arna and Bergen, while also increasing freight capacity by 50%.
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