By Lynda Myer
The twin tube Åstunnel in Levanger municipality on the E6 between Kvithammar and Åsen witnessed a remrkable breakthrough on 29 February at exactly 3 p.m. Nye Veier is the developer for the new E6 between Kvithammar and Åsen in Trøndelag and the general contractor for the project is Hæhre Entreprenør AS.
With two runs and two lanes in each direction, The Åstunnel is 2,100 metres, and it has taken almost 1.5 years’ driving time from commence to finish, and Hæhre started driving the tunnel on 12 October 2023.
Including seven breakdown areas for vehicles for use in an emergency, this tunnel has eight cross connections with the escape between the tunnel runs.
Following completion of the Åstunnel, over than 330,000 m 3 of rock will have been removed. The team used 1 million kg of explosives, divided into an estimated 900 volleys.
Four lanes and a speed limit of 110 km/h will be the features of this new motorway, while the stretch is approx. 19 km, of which 12 are in tunnels. Considering that the four lanes, double tunnel runs as well as an increased speed limit will provide better accessibility, it decreased travel time and more predictability for road users. The new road will also increase traffic safety. In August 2023, the final breakthrough in the Forbordsfjelltunnel in Stjørdal municipality was reachied and the entire E6 road stretch from Kvithammar to Åsen is planned to be opened in 2027.
