By lyndamyer
The tunneling and foundations work on the Majorstuen to Skøyen section of the Fornebu Line, a metro extension being built in Oslo, are due to be implemented by Norwegian construction group Veidekke.
Including the tunneling and foundation work on the stretch from Volvat to Skøyen station, Veidekke’s latest contract on the Fornebubanen, or Fornebu Line also will cover construction of an access tunnel to Madserud, from where excavated rock is due to be transported.
The scheduled date for concluding this contract is 25 June, while its worth is just under NOK1.4bn (£103M).
Additionally, August or September of this year is determined date for commencing construction on the Majorstuen to Skøyen section and it is planned to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
Veidekke is currently already carrying out similar work on the Lysaker to Vækerø section of project.
Linking the centre of Fornebu peninsula to the existing Majorstuen interchange station by underground tunnel, the new 8.2km Fornebu Line will run through stations at Skøyen, Vækerø, Lysaker, Telenor Arena, Flytårnet and Fornebu.
While the project comprising large rock caverns, long tunnels, deep construction pits, as well as shafts underground structures, it is complex and extensive, with challenging geology with folds, faults, deep gouges, clayey soils and low rock cover in tunnel route.
The design of the metro extension is up to a joint venture between Cowi and Multiconsult and Swiss construction firm Implenia is building the Skøyen to Vækerø and Lysker to Fornebu sections, whereas Skanska has also been involved in groundworks for the scheme.
Due to spiraling costs the project has almost faced the axe, this as previous year Norwegian media outlet the Local reported.
It said the metro line would now cost more than NOK31bn (£2.3bn) to complete and was unlikely to open before 2029.
The Fornebu Line is being developed by project promoter Fornebubanen, on behalf of Oslo municipality and Viken county municipality.
