Norway – Road transport services – E16 Lærdals tunnel – upgrading of tunnels - passenger transport

The 24.5 km long Lærdal tunnel on the E16 between Aurland and Lærdal in Vestland county shall be upgraded. The tunnel does not meet all requirements in the Tunnel Safety Regulations, and the requirements for electrical lift have changed in accordance with the tunnel service in the year 2000. There are encompassing measures that must be implemented in order for the tunnel to meet the current standard requirements. The blasting work in the main course shall be carried out as night work, and during this period the tunnel will be closed from 18:00 to 06:00. This is a very invasive measure, especially considering local traffic, which in reality does not have enough re-injection alternatives. As mitigating measures, a public transport facility shall therefore be set up between Aurland and Lærdal, in the afternoon/evening. Passenger transport shall go through a closed tunnel with ongoing construction work. The transport shall go on a scheduled route and passengers must book a place on a transport route. Before kvar trip, the construction hire must be contacted in order to clear that it is passable through the tunnel. Drivers must be subject to special training with HSE review before the work starts.