Follo High-Speed Railway Line, Oslo – Railway Technology

This article explores the Follo Line high-speed rail project in Norway, a significant undertaking aimed at enhancing passenger and freight transport capacity in and around Oslo. The project’s ambitious goals include drastically reducing commute times between Oslo and Ski, increasing overall rail ridership, significantly reducing road traffic congestion, and decreasing carbon emissions. This examination will delve into the project’s history, technological advancements implemented, construction phases, key players involved, and the anticipated positive impacts on the Norwegian transportation network. Ultimately, the analysis will assess the Follo Line’s success in meeting its projected targets and its broader implications for future high-speed rail development in Norway and beyond. The project aims to create a modern, efficient, and environmentally conscious railway system, serving as a model for sustainable urban transportation.

Project History and Objectives

The Follo Line project, initiated by the Norwegian National Rail Administration (NNRA), is a crucial component of a larger plan to quadruple track capacity on the three main rail corridors emanating from Oslo: the Gardermoen Line, the Asker Line, and the Østfold Line. The existing Østfold Line, while historically significant, presented a major bottleneck, limiting train frequency and impacting both passenger and freight services. The Follo Line, running between Oslo and Ski, directly addresses this constraint by providing a dedicated high-speed double-track line, bypassing the congested sections of the Østfold Line. The project envisions a substantial increase in passenger capacity (a projected 63% increase during peak hours) and a marked reduction in travel time (from 22 minutes to 11 minutes between Ski and Oslo). Furthermore, significant environmental benefits, including a reduction in car and truck traffic, are anticipated.

Technological Aspects and Construction

A key feature of the Follo Line is its 20km twin-tube tunnel constructed using drill-and-blast methods and the deployment of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). This intricate engineering feat involved the excavation of approximately 4.5 million cubic meters of rock and 7.2 million cubic meters of muck. The tunnel incorporates cross-connections every 500 meters for safety and operational efficiency. The project also included significant upgrades to the Ski station, expanding its platform capacity to six tracks and enhancing passenger transfer areas. Modern signaling systems, supplied by Thales, were installed, along with extensive cabling throughout the project area. The redevelopment of Oslo Central Station was also part of the overall initiative. The use of advanced technologies in the design, construction, and signaling systems ensures optimal efficiency and safety within the railway line.

Project Management and Key Players

The Norwegian National Rail Administration (NNRA) served as the project owner, overseeing all aspects of planning, construction, and implementation. Numerous international and national companies contributed their expertise to the project. The ACCIONA and Ghella joint venture secured a major contract for the twin-tunnel construction. Società Italiana per Condotte d’Acqua (Condotte) was awarded contracts for drilling and blasting near Oslo Central Station and the construction of new railway lines in the same area. Obrascón Huarte Lain secured the EPC contract for the Ski station upgrade. Atkins, in partnership with Aas Jakobsen, was responsible for the design of the signaling systems, and Thales implemented them. Pöyry played a critical role in the tunnel engineering. This collaborative approach, involving both domestic and international expertise, ensured the project’s successful execution.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts

The Follo Line project is not merely an infrastructure development; it’s a significant investment in sustainable transportation. By shifting passengers from road to rail, it directly contributes to reducing carbon emissions (estimated at 5,500 tonnes of CO2 annually), lessening traffic congestion, and improving air quality in the Oslo region. The projected increase in rail ridership promises enhanced mobility and accessibility for commuters. The reduction of approximately 5,800 daily car journeys and 750 daily truck journeys from the European Route E18 illustrates the significant shift toward a more sustainable transportation system. The project’s socioeconomic benefits extend beyond improved commute times and environmental gains; it also creates jobs and stimulates economic activity in the construction and operation phases.

Conclusions

The Follo Line high-speed rail project represents a substantial investment in Norway’s transportation infrastructure and its commitment to sustainable development. While the project faced significant engineering challenges, the successful collaboration between the NNRA and numerous international and domestic firms resulted in the timely completion of a state-of-the-art railway line. The line’s impact is far-reaching, improving commuter times, reducing road congestion and pollution, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the Oslo region’s transportation network. The projected increase in rail ridership, reduction in car journeys, and significant CO2 emission reductions demonstrate a clear commitment to environmentally conscious transportation solutions. The achievement of the project targets—namely, the significant reduction in travel times, the increase in passenger capacity, and the substantial decrease in road traffic—highlights the successful implementation of modern railway technology and sustainable transportation practices. The Follo Line serves as a significant achievement in railway engineering, showcasing the successful integration of advanced tunnel construction techniques, cutting-edge signaling systems, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Its success is a testament to the effective management of complex infrastructure projects and the potential of high-speed rail to transform urban mobility and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

Company Information:

• Norwegian National Rail Administration (NNRA): The Norwegian governmental agency responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of the national railway network.
• Norwegian State Railways (NSB): The primary operator of passenger rail services in Norway.
• ACCIONA: A Spanish multinational infrastructure company.
• Ghella: An Italian construction company specializing in underground works.
• Società Italiana per Condotte d’Acqua (Condotte): An Italian construction company with expertise in infrastructure projects.
• Obrascón Huarte Lain: A Spanish multinational construction company.
• Atkins: A British multinational engineering and design consultancy.
• Aas Jakobsen: A Norwegian engineering consultancy.
• Thales: A French multinational company specializing in transportation systems and security.
• Pöyry: A Finnish engineering and consulting firm.