With this, an important milestone has been achieved at the project. The Fåberg tunnel is a 2.8-kilometer-long twin-tube tunnel that is part of the new E6 between Storhove and Øyer in Innlandet. AF Gruppen is building the road for Nye Veier.

"This is a great day for all of us. The breakthrough is a clear and concrete proof of progress and marks an important milestone for everyone who has worked on this important transport project. The E6 is the main artery through the country, and the new road will benefit travelers, businesses, and emergency services. I would like to extend a big thank you to AF Gruppen for good cooperation and well-executed work," says project manager Steinar Fretheim at Nye Veier.

Thanked the neighbours

Over 1200 blasts have been carried out in the two tunnel tubes since the start in January 2024, and more than 450,000 cubic meters of mass have been transported out. The project has encountered challenging rock quality during driving, with occasionally demanding geological conditions and extensive safety work.

"The breakthrough in the Fåberg Tunnel is an important milestone for the project. Four skilled shifts have driven competently and safely through varying, demanding rock. Furthermore, the Fåberg tunnel has been a good arena for contributing to the industry with tunnel expertise – a total of six apprentices have completed their apprenticeship and passed their trade test in connection with the Fåberg tunnel. Nye Veier has placed trust in us and the cooperation on this project has been excellent. Furthermore, I would like to thank affected neighbors for their patience," says project manager Anja Krohn Bjørnstad at AF Gruppen.

Big bang

The apprentices Robin Årevik, Lisell Storstein, and Levi Slettedal fired the last blast in the tunnel. Workers and invited guests experienced the sound and power of 1000 kilos of explosives, even though the spectators stood at a safe distance in the tunnel's other tube.

Afterwards, there were speeches and the christening of the rock pile. It is an old custom to sprinkle liquor on the mountain after successfully completing the tunnel. The attendees were also served marzipan cake. The drawer of a dumper served as a table.

Much work remains

Although the drill and blast work is completed, the tunnel is far from finished. Ditches and roads need to be built, and the tunnel needs to be waterproofed and frost-proofed. The final part of the job involves installing technical infrastructure such as lighting, fans, fire-fighting equipment, and safety systems. Then all systems must be tested before it can be approved and opened to traffic.

The new E6 between Storhove and Øyer is one of three parts in the larger development of the new E6 through Innlandet. Nye Veier and AF Gruppen are also collaborating on the construction of the 23-kilometer-long neighboring section from Storhove and southwards to Roterud.