An estimated 11 million tons of soil and rock will be excavated during construction of Norway’s longest train tunnel between Oslo and Ski. The chairman of Oslo’s harbour authority (Oslo Havn) wants to use it all to build a new artificial island in the southeastern arm of the Oslo Fjord.
Called Bunnefjorden, the expanse of water Bernt Stilluf Karlsen has in mind is large and relatively uncluttered. He thinks it’s a perfect place to create new recreational facilities along with hatching areas for various seabirds.
“We have incredibly many beautiful islands in the Oslo Fjord already, and now we have a unique opportunity to get one more,” Karlsen told newspaper Dagsavisen. He admits the project “probably has both positive and negative effects on the environment,” but plans to present detailed proposals to planning authorities on the neighbouring peninsula of Nesodden next week.
The harbour chaiman isn’t the only one plotting use of all the dirt and rock that will be removed to form the 19-kilometer-long tunnel. Railroad officials have received more than 10 “good proposals” including one from harbour authorities in Moss, who want it to expand their own shoreside facilities.
newsinenglish.no staff
