The stretch between Voss and Myrdal will open no earlier than Monday morning, the train company reports.
– Repairs are fully underway to ensure that the stretch can be reopened on Monday morning, press officer Anne Kirkhusmo of Bane Nor informed NTB Saturday afternoon.
They had previously stated that the line could open no earlier than Sunday after estimating that 1700–1800 damaged ties needed to be replaced. However, the extent of the damage was greater than initially thought.
– We have discovered that the number of ties turned out to be somewhat larger than first assumed, and there are around 3500 ties that need to be replaced, explains Kirkhusmo.
It was shortly after 02:00 on Friday night when one of the cars on a freight train derailed with two wheels while heading east from Voss. It was the third-to-last car that derailed, and it was dragged over a stretch of about three kilometers.
The derailed wheels have caused damage to the ties along the stretch. In addition, there are also some damages to the fastening of the rails, cables, and other equipment, according to Bane Nor.
On Friday morning, the derailed car was transported back to Voss, and the freight train was removed from the stretch. The Bergen Line has been closed between Voss and Myrdal following the derailment.
Bane Nor emphasizes on their website that there is still uncertainty regarding the reopening time but will provide an updated estimate late Saturday evening.
How do train disruptions impact local economies and tourism in affected areas?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with expert transportation analyst, Dr. Lars Eriksen, about the recent train disruptions between Voss and Myrdal. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Eriksen.
Dr. Lars Eriksen: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The train company has announced that the stretch between Voss and Myrdal will not reopen until Monday morning at the earliest. Can you explain the significance of this route and why it’s particularly important?
Dr. Eriksen: Absolutely. The train route between Voss and Myrdal is a key part of Norway’s railway system, providing essential connectivity for both locals and tourists. It runs through some incredibly scenic areas, making it popular for those traveling to and from the fjords and mountains. The closure not only affects daily commuters but can also impact tourism, especially during peak seasons.
Editor: That makes sense. We also saw an image showing significant damage caused by a recent derailment. What typically occurs in these situations in terms of repairs and safety assessments?
Dr. Eriksen: After a derailment, the first priority is always safety. This involves a thorough inspection of the track, the damaged carriages, and any infrastructure that may have been affected. In this case, as the image shows, a significant number of ties and cables were damaged. Repairs can take time, particularly if the damage affects the structural integrity of the track. Engineers will work around the clock to ensure everything is up to safety standards before reopening.
Editor: In your experience, how do such incidents influence public perception of train travel?
Dr. Eriksen: Incidents like this can shake public confidence, particularly if they occur frequently or result in significant delays. However, the effectiveness of the response from train companies is also extremely important. If they can resolve issues quickly and transparently, public confidence may be restored. Ongoing communication is key; informing passengers about safety measures and timelines for repairs can build trust.
Editor: What can be done to enhance safety on our railways to prevent future derailments?
Dr. Eriksen: There are several measures that can be implemented to increase safety. For instance, regular maintenance and inspections of tracks and trains are paramount. Additionally, investing in advanced technology for monitoring track conditions and potential hazards can help predict and prevent issues before they arise. Collaborating with engineering experts to develop safer designs for carriages and tracks is another proactive step.
Editor: Thank you for these insights, Dr. Eriksen. It’s clear that while incidents such as the one between Voss and Myrdal can be disruptive, there are ongoing efforts and strategies to improve rail safety for everyone involved.
Dr. Eriksen: Absolutely, and it’s a continuous process. Thank you for having me!
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, and we hope to speak with you again on future transport issues.
Dr. Eriksen: I look forward to it!
