The Bjønnåstunnelen, a twin‑tube road tunnel forming a key part of Norway’s E18 Langangen–Rugtvedt motorway project, is moving steadily toward completion as excavation works conclude and installation phases accelerate. The project is one of the country’s most significant ongoing road infrastructure upgrades, designed to improve safety, capacity, and regional connectivity along the E18 corridor.
A Strategic Link on a 17 km Motorway Section
The wider E18 Langangen–Rugtvedt development spans roughly 17 km and includes several major underground structures. Among them is the Bjønnåstunnelen, consisting of two parallel tubes of approximately 2.5 km each, and the larger 5.1 km Grenland tunnel.
The project is overseen by Nye Veier AS, Norway’s national road‑building entity, which continues to drive a programme of high‑standard, high‑efficiency motorway upgrades across the country.
Excavation Completed After 18 Months of NATM Works
Excavation of the northern tube of the Bjønnås tunnel reached breakthrough in August 2024, marking a major milestone after around 18 months of progress using NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method) techniques. With both tubes now fully excavated, the project has transitioned into the next phases:
• Road base and paving
• Tunnel lining and cladding
• Waterproofing
• Electromechanical (EM) and safety system installation
• Final fit‑out and commissioning
These activities will continue through the coming months as the tunnel moves toward operational readiness.
Contractors and Specialist Suppliers on the Project
Eiffage Génie Civil is delivering the excavation and construction of the Bjønnåstunnelen as part of Lot 2 of the E18 Langangen–Rugtvedt contract. The contractor has reported steady progress throughout the excavation phase and is now advancing the internal works.
Specialist supplier AGTunnel AS has confirmed the delivery of substantial volumes of tunnel elements and waterproofing systems for both the Bjønnås and Grenland tunnels. These materials support the structural integrity and long‑term durability of the underground works and are being supplied directly to Eiffage’s Norwegian operations.
Procurement and Contracting Notes
Although no specific tender reference for the Bjønnåstunnelen section surfaced in standard indexed searches, the project forms part of a major national motorway package where procurement is typically published through:
• Doffin – Norway’s national procurement portal
• EU Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) – for notices above EU thresholds
• Nye Veier AS – project announcements and contract awards
• Statens vegvesen – national road authority updates
Contractor statements and supplier press releases confirm that the civil works packages are well underway, consistent with the expected award and execution timeline for a project of this scale.
A Key Milestone in Norway’s Road Modernisation Programme
With excavation complete and installation works progressing, the Bjønnåstunnelen is entering its final construction stages. Once open, the twin‑tube tunnel will contribute to a safer, more efficient E18 corridor, supporting regional mobility and strengthening Norway’s strategic transport network.
The project stands as another example of Norway’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, resilient road infrastructure — and of the collaborative effort between major civil contractors and specialist suppliers that makes such progress possible. 07/26.
