One of Norway’s greenest and most complex mobility and urban development projects gets underway.
The design contract for the fifth construction phase of the Bergen light rail project – from the city centre to Åsane – has now been signed with COWI, joined by Ramboll and Asplan Viak as sub-consultants.
The signing of the NOK 1.1bn contract marks the start of one of Norway’s greenest and most complex mobility and urban development projects in the centre of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. “With COWI, Ramboll and Asplan Viak we have a highly competent and enthusiastic team ready to start on this important phase together with Bybanen Utbygging”, said Terje Simmenes, project director, Bergen Light Rail Construction and Development.
The light rail to Åsane will contribute to green mobility and boost the quality of life in the second largest city in Norway. According to estimates, around 60,000 people will use the light rail every day in 2040. It will follow Bryggen right at the centre of Bergen. In addition to being an ambitious light rail project, it is also an extremely sustainable urban development project, with a new bicycle path and a rock tunnel expansion also part of the project.
Birgit Farstad Larsen, executive vice president at COWI, said: “This is a key project in terms of securing seamless and sustainable mobility in Bergen. This is a true dream project. We are proud to be entrusted with this important phase of the Bergen Light Rail, working with such a strong team. This will also make one of the most beautiful cities in the world even greener.”
The contract sum is approx. NOK 1.1bn and the project involves rail alignment, a bicycle path and a tunnel expansion with the light rail alignment covering a section of 12.7 kilometres and 14 stops. The bicycle alignment is around 13 kilometres long, the extension of the Fløyfjell Tunnel is around three kilometres long, bringing the new total tunnel length to around 5.5 kilometres.
