Sweco has been awarded its largest-ever public transport assignment in Norway with the extension of the Bergen Light Rail – the next stage in the city’s highly ambitious goals for socially sustainable travel. The assignment is valued at approximately SEK 190 million.

”The development of the Bergen Light Rail means that Sweco is involved in creating innovative, globally top-class public transport. With a sharp focus on social as well as environmental effects, this is an excellent example of how well-planned transport solutions can have a positive impact on the entire townscape,” says Tron Kjølhamar, CEO of Sweco Norway.

The Light Rail is Bergen’s most significant public transport investment to date. The goal is to create a transport solution that can be used by all residents on equal terms. The first section of the Bergen Light Rail, opened in 2010, won awards for its inclusive design. The new section will be a connecting track through tunnelled rock to Fyllingsdalen, a growing suburb with many homes and places of work.

Under the contract Sweco will be responsible for both detail plan and construction plan. Sweco will provide a broad spectrum of expertise under the assignment, ranging from tunnel engineering to signals and rail technology and landscape design. Experts from Sweco Norway and Sweco Sweden will be involved.

”The design of the new section requires a high level of technical expertise as well as an overall view of urban development, which is why Sweco was chosen for the project,” says Hanna Rachel Broch, Director of large projects, Sweco Norway.

Sweco’s work on the assignment will begin immediately and continue until 2021, when the new line is expected to open to traffic.