– Norway is the country in Europe that has the most road tunnels. Traveling on Norwegian roads must be safe, and Norwegian tunnels are becoming safer. The Norwegian Public Roads Authority has procedures for detecting and preventing dangerous incidents in tunnels. But when the events took place, such as those in Trodalstunnelen and Fjærlandstunnelen, it is natural to review routine activities and procedures. That's why we asked the Norwegian Public Roads Authority to explain and evaluate the current procedures, he says Minister of Transport Knut Arild Hareide.
Traveling on Norwegian roads must be safe
New tunnels are built with strict conditions requirements guaranteeing safety for road users. Large resources are also used to renovate existing tunnels. Since 2015, the Norwegian Public Roads Authority has been implementing a program to modernize 140 national road tunnels throughout the country. This is an ongoing work that mainly covers firefighting, rescue equipment and electricity in the tunnels.
Over NOK 15 billion has been allocated to the maintenance and renovation of national road tunnels
In 2015-2021, over 15 PLN was allocated for the maintenance and renovation of national road tunnels. billion NOK. Thanks to this after the first time maintenance backlogs on the national road network have been reduced for several decades.
Tunnel safety with priority in the new NTP
The new National Transport Plan 2022–2033 (NTP) plans to use 11,4 NOK billion for funds that will be used mainly to ensure safety in tunnels of the national road network. The NTP also prioritizes road projects that replace tunnels that fail to meet existing tunnels safety requirements. This includes E6 Megården – Mørsvikbotn w Nordland and E16 Arna – Stanghelle in Vestland. Norwegian Board has until September 1 to present its opinion. Ministry of Transport and Communications will then review the information provided by the agency
