Securing approval on June 03, 2025 for the financing of the Arna–Stanghelle Joint Project in the Storting is an important step toward getting started. This is a project of great importance for achieving a safer and faster connection between the eastern and western parts of the country. The stretch is highly prone to landslides on both the road and the railway, and there have been several serious accidents on the E16 in which many lives have been lost. 

This project involves the construction of 80 kms of tunnels, including three new road tunnels on the E16, two railway tunnels, junction ramp tubes, evacuation tunnels and temporary crosscut tunnels. 

It is expected that the first major tunnel contract for the construction of junction ramp tubes and temporary crosscut tunnels can be awarded and construction can begin during 2026.  

Completion in 2039

The cost estimate is NOK41,182 million, including a toll contribution of NOK4,215 million. The construction period is estimated at 12-14 years, and the entire road section of E16 is expected to open in 2038, while the entire double-track railway section is expected to open in 2039. 

This is happening now

The project organisation has been set up and is ready to start construction. The design of the preliminary contracts is complete, and construction plans have been submitted for the future construction areas. In May this year, work began on securing the future construction areas. A large consulting contract for the design of the main contracts for roads and railways is also out on the market, with a deadline of 5 June. 

Specially developed solutions

The project includes joint solutions for escape routes between road and rail. Construction tunnels and shafts will be used for construction work and the disposal of tunnel rock in Sørfjorden. 

Please click here and no/252 for the tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.vegvesen.no and https://www.banenor.no/ . 24//25.