Work is underway to expand the Sandnes-Stavanger line from single to double track. This 14.5 km section will be completed at the end of 2009.
The Sandnes-Stavanger section constitutes the northern part of the Jæren line, which is an area of rapid economic and population growth. Commuter traffic has increased pressure on local roads and rail capacity has been stretched to the limit for some time.
In spite of this, rail traffic has increased substantially in recent years. The number of passengers is almost four times higher than in 1992, when local services were expanded. Around 2.5 million customers were registered in 2006.
Double tracks and three new local stations will provide greatly increased capacity, making room for services between Sandnes and Stavanger every 15 minutes. Today, trains run every half hour.
The track doubling between Sandnes and Stavanger is a prerequisite for further rail development in the region. This includes a suggested future light rail system, which in places will share tracks with the main Jæren line. This is a joint initiative involving Sandnes and Stavanger municipalities and Rogaland County Council, and concept feasibility studies are still in progress.
By transferring more commuters from road to rail, the project will provide benefits such as easing road congestion, reducing emissions and improving road safety.
To ensure full accessibility for all users, the National Rail Administration has cooperated with The Norwegian Association of Disabled over station design.
Three years
Construction work started in October 2006 and completion is scheduled for December 2009/January 2010. Total costs will be around 1.800 MNOK.
The new double track will be built in the same corridor as the present single track. Carrying out heavy construction work close to the existing track is a notable project challenge, which entails meticulous planning and a wide range of safety measures.
To enable unlimited access during the final phase of the construction period, train services will be cancelled and replaced by buses for a period of six months.
Most of the construction work is carried out in built-up areas and the National Rail Administration works actively to safeguard the environment and reduce negative consequences for the public and surrounding areas.
The project is divided into four main groundworks contracts. There are also separate contracts for technical rail installations, such as telecom systems, signalling, catenary and rail superstructure.