The Statens vegvesen site writes that The Arna-Stanghelle Joint Project (Fellesprosjektet Arna-Stanghelle - FAS) is now preparing a large consultancy contract that will ensure model-based engineering for Norway's largest tunnel project.

Norway's largest tunnel project, the FAS aims to build in total 80 (eighty) kilometers of road and railway tunnels between Arna and Stanghelle. It is a rare project in the sense that road and railway tunnels will be built in parallel. Hence it is a joint project between Statens vegvesen (the National Road Administration) and Bane NOR (the National Railway Administration). The railway tunnels will have two tracks. The road and railway tunnels will be connected with each other via escape tunnels. The whole project is expected to last 8 years.

The target is to float the consultancy contract in the market in early 2025 and with the prequalification and subsequent negation phases, within 10 months to sign the contract with a consultancy company.

The Statens vegvesen site writes "The framework agreement will include design, consultancy and follow-up during construction. This includes the preparation of design requirements for the entire project, as well as the basis for competition for main contracts, which include total, execution and interaction contracts."

Catrine Hatlenes, the project manager for engineering in FAS project says of the consultancy contract; " We are looking for an adviser who can deliver high quality through model-based engineering, implement new technology and contribute to sustainable solutions. As the country's largest tunnel project, we have great potential to influence and drive the industry forward, and we must take that responsibility.".

Statens vegvesen site further writes over the FAS project;

"In order to ensure the fastest possible progress in the project, funds are prioritized in proposals for the National Budget for 2025 to advertise two contracts in the market. This applies to the acquisition of a consultancy contract for the design of the main contracts and the acquisition of a contract that will mark the start of the first physical works in the project. The first contract concerns rock and avalanche protection to secure the construction areas in preparation for the main contracts.

Before the project can start in full, the Storting must make a decision on the cost framework and the toll system. With the budget proposal for 2025, the government is making arrangements for the Storting to make decisions on investment decisions in 2025."

https://www.vegvesen.no/vegprosjekter/europaveg/e16banearnastanghelle/nyhetsarkiv/fellesprosjektet-arna-stanghelle-forbereder-stor-radgiverkontrakt/