Norway’s state railroad, which is in the midst of some major refurbishing projects, warned that its annual summer maintenance program was also due to get underway during the weekend. Commuters in the Oslo area were told to brace for delays and congestion for the next six weeks.
The summer season, when many Norwegians take off on extended holidays in July, is traditionally the time when state railroad Jernbaneverket goes about making infrastructure improvements. This year the maintenance coincides with major new railroad expansion projects like Folobanen and improvements to Ostfoldbanen.
That can lead to mass congestion at Oslo’s central station, as bus service replaces train lines and lines between Oslo and Ski close from June 27-June 30. Service between Oslo and Grefsen, Bryn and Lillestrøm will close from August 1-7.
Summer routes will apply through July, and traffic west of Oslo will mostly operate as normal. Those commuting into Oslo from the east and southeast were actually urged to take holiday or stagger their work hours to avoid peak commuter rush hours.
newsinenglish.no staff
