Double track approved for Bergen, Norway
The Norwegian government is giving the go-ahead for the construction of a double track into Bergen station. Along with a new green freight terminal, this will greatly improve rail freight in the region, as well as passenger traffic. This was announced by infrastructure manager Bane Nor last week.
A revised national budget was proposed by the Norwegian government on Tuesday 11 May.The new proposal means good news for railway in Bergen on the Norwegian west coast. Money is allocated for double tracks from Fløen to Bergen station. This stretch is among the busiest single track in Europe.
“In addition to the passengers getting a better offer, this will also strengthen freight traffic”, says Hans-Egil Larsen, project director at Bane Nor.
Freight traffic can be doubled
During 2025, a new railway will be completed between Arna and Bergen, which will give passengers more frequent departures, faster journeys, and fewer delays. Today’s single track has too little capacity, and a new double track on the section will improve the situation, both for freight and passenger traffic. It will also facilitate increased speed and more flexible route planning.
In addition, the project will connect the new freight terminal at Nygårdstangen in Bergen to the double track. “The freight terminal will be environmentally friendly and cost-effective. This strengthens the competitiveness of climate-friendly freight transport by rail”, says Larsen. The terminal is to be operated completely emission-free as the first in the country.
Operated electrically
Nygårdstangen will be completely modernised in 2024. The freight terminal will only be used by electric trains, and will have electrified tracks, lifting equipment, charging stations, and a terminal building operated by solar cells and district heating.
For the center of Bergen, this could mean up to 400 fewer trucks every day, to the benefit of other road users and an improvement in air quality for the inhabitants.
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