The Arna-Bergen double-track railway line has been named Construction of the Year 2024 in Norway at the Byggedagene (Construction Days) Awards, organized by Byggeindustrien, the country’s leading construction publication.
Azvi Norge is proud to have participated in this project for Bane NOR, which, in its entirety, marked the most extensive construction project on the line since its inauguration in 1909.
Azvi contributed with two major projects:
- The rehabilitation and extension of the old Ulriken tunnel, which required over 400 blastings.
- Track, catenary and installation assembly in the new Ulriken tunnel, where the country’s first ballastless track was installed in 2020.
The jury praised the excellent safety record, with zero major incidents, as well as the environmental protection measures, including the reuse of construction materials and monitoring to conserve local wildlife.
In terms of sustainability, the project implemented strategies to reduce noise, vibrations, and community impact, while maintaining rail service throughout the construction period.
The Arna-Bergen Railway Line: A Historic Project
A large section of the Arna-Bergen Railway Line crosses Ulriken, one of the seven mountains surrounding the city of Bergen. The old and the new tunnels now form a double track corridor that passes through the mountain.
The old Ulriken tunnel, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, was completely rehabilitated before connecting to the new tunnel. Its inauguration in May 2024 culminated a process that had begun almost a decade earlier, when construction on the new tunnel commenced.
Great work! Great team! Congratulations to Bane Nor and all those involved in making this extraordinary infrastructure worthy of this recognition!
