Upgrading the Briskeby tram line

 

Read about the project in Norwegian

Background

As part of the Tram program, several of Oslo's tram routes, streets and city spaces have been renewed, where tram stops have been upgraded, and old and worn tram rails have been replaced. In some areas, the streets have been renewed with new water and drainage pipes. Now parts of the historic Briskeby line will get a comprehensive renewal.

The popular Briskeby line, "Blåtrikken", was opened as early as 1894, and at the time was Scandinavia's first electric tram line.

Sporveien is the developer for the project, and in collaboration with the Urban Environment Agency (Bymiljøetaten) and the Water and Sewerage Agency (Vann- og avløpsetaten), will ensure that the route get a completely new look with new rails, streets, pavements, water and drainage lines, lighting and, not least, tram stops suitable for all users. The total upgrade will contribute to better water quality, sustainable stormwater management, and a better-looking urban space.

Progress

On behalf of the City Council Department for the Environment and Transport (Byrådsavdelingen for Miljø og samferdsel), Sporveien, in collaboration with Norconsult, the Urban Environment Agency and the Water and Sewerage Agency, has carried out a preliminary project, which shows that it is possible to arrange for the new trams, SL18, to traffic the Briskeby line. 

Construction is planned to start springtime 2025, with project completion and commissioning of the upgraded route late 2026/early 2027.

Complete renewal with historical flair

The tram is a historical and important part of the townscape of Briskeby; the popular Briskeby line, "Blåtrikken", was opened as early as 1894, and at the time was Scandinavia's first electric tram line. Parts of the section today have a track geometry that only allows traffic with old SL79 carriages, and in some places the width between the incoming and outgoing tram tracks is so narrow that modern SL18 trams will have difficulty meeting.

The stretch from Inkognitogata to Riddervolds plass is also characterized by worn streets and pavements, and many main water mains in the area are around 100 years old and in very poor condition. The Water and Sewerage Agency experiences breaks in these lines due to corrosion and rust. In addition, the new stormwater system will help ensure that the streets can handle more torrential rain and stormwater in the future. As part of the upgrade of the Briskeby line, the Urban Environment Agency will, among other things, contribute with planting and better lighting for a more inviting street scene.

Information to neighbours 

Sporveien aims to affect neighbours in the area as little as possible during construction. Sporveien will make sure to notify the nearest neighbours during the construction period. During the project period, limited accessibility and disadvantages linked to construction activity in the area must be expected.

Upgrading the Briskeby tram line is an important project in which Sporveien, the Urban Environment Agency and the Water and Sewerage Agency interact to upgrade the infrastructure. By working in parallel with water, drains, rails and urban spaces, the aim is to avoid the street being dug up in several rounds one after the other. We look forward to Briskeby becoming even more accessible to the city's residents and visitors, with modern trams, new stops and rehabilitated surroundings.