Bilfinger wins Norway tunnel contract

German engineering and services group Bilfinger has been awarded a €140 million contract to build the Eiganes Tunnel in Norway.

The tunnel will handle traffic travelling on the European Route 39, bypassing the town of Stavanger. The twin-tube tunnel will stretch 5km and will include the construction of several access ramps, as well as further connector tunnels. A 2.5km new motorway section will also be built, as will bicycle and pedestrian paths.

Joachim Enenkel, board member at Bilfinger, said, "Bilfinger is specialised in demanding civil engineering projects in the area of mobility and looks forward to contributing its expertise to the construction of underground traffic routes.”

Bilfinger has formed a 60:40 joint venture with Norwegian company Stangeland to complete the contract, which has a total value of €230 million. Stangeland will assume responsibility for earthworks and road construction.

The project will be completed in 2018. In addition to relieving traffic pressure in Stavanger, the Eiganes Tunnel will also provide an improved inner city connection to the existing Ryfas Tunnel, an important transport link in southwest Norway.