By rosebell
Kanska has been appointed to upgrade Norway’s Lærdal Tunnel – the world’s longest road tunnel.
The 24.5km-long tunnel is a key transport corridor between eastern and western Norway.
The NOK1.6bn (€150m) contract awarded by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen) covers extensive rehabilitation works and upgrades to technical and safety systems.
The project includes the construction of 28 new technical buildings in the Lærdal tunnel, which will require blasting and securing rock chambers; emergency lay-bys near the buildings and the expansion of emergency turning bays in the tunnel; new lighting and emergency lights; and upgraded ventilation.
The tunnel, which carries approximately 2,100 vehicles per day, will initially be closed at night to allow works to be carried out.
Construction is scheduled to commence in November, with completion planned for 2029.
The Lærdal Tunnel opened in November 2000 and is part of the TEN-T road network.
