Breakthrough has been made on Norway’s Fåberg Tunnel.
Three apprentices from AF Gruppen had the honour of firing the last blast of 1,000kg of explosives for the 2.8km-long twin-tube road tunnel. The tunnel is part of Nye Veier’s new E6 between Storhove and Øyer in Innlandet, near Lillehammer.
More than 1,200 blasts have been carried out in the two tunnel tubes since work started in January 2024, and over 450,000m3 of material has been removed. The project has encountered challenging rock quality, with occasionally demanding geological conditions and extensive safety work.
Nye Veier project manager Steinar Fretheim said it was “a great day for us all”.
“The breakthrough is a clear and concrete proof of progress and marks an important milestone for everyone who has worked on this important transport project. The E6 is the main artery through the country, and the new road will benefit travellers, businesses, and emergency services. I would like to extend a big thank you to AF Gruppen for good co-operation and well-executed work,” he said.
AF Gruppen project manager Anja Krohn Bjørnstad said the breakthrough was an important milestone for the project.
“Four skilled shifts have driven competently and safely through varying, demanding rock. Furthermore, the Fåberg tunnel has been a good arena for contributing to the industry with tunnel expertise – a total of six apprentices have completed their apprenticeship and passed their trade test in connection with the Fåberg tunnel. Nye Veier has placed trust in us and the co-operation on this project has been excellent. Furthermore, I would like to thank affected neighbours for their patience,” she said.
Now the drill and blast is completed, work will continue on building ditches and roads and waterproofing and frost-proofing the tunnel before it is fitted out.
The new E6 between Storhove and Øyer is one of three parts in the larger development of the new E6 through Innlandet. Nye Veier and AF Gruppen are also collaborating on the construction of the 23km-long neighbouring section from Storhove and southwards to Roterud.
