A powerful storm, named Hans, has brought widespread destruction to Norway’s infrastructure, with the latest high-profile casualty being the Randklev Bridge in Ringebu. The middle section of the 172.5-meter-long steel bridge, which is part of the Dovre line connecting Oslo and Trondheim, slipped into the Lågen River on Monday morning. The collapse occurred during an “extreme flood situation” caused by the storm.
The state-owned rail infrastructure company, Bane Nor, is investigating the extent of the damage and has closed the bridge for safety reasons. According to the company, the exact cause of the damage is impossible to determine, but it is likely related to the storm. The railway company has not yet announced when the bridge will reopen, as the damage is extensive and other parts of the line have also been affected.
Track manager Sigbjørn Korsgård explained that while the bridge collapsed, there is no danger of it drifting further down the river. However, the company wants to remove the bridge from the water as quickly as possible to ensure the flow of water in the Lågen River and to allow for the installation of a temporary bridge over the river.
Critical Railway Bridge Collapses in NorwayThe old railway bridge next to the collapsed one, which has been converted into a road bridge, has remained standing but will be closed for an undetermined period. Korsgård stated that the area is being cordoned off and a fence is being erected at three roads leading to the bridge. The challenging conditions are expected to continue, with heavy showers forecast for Tuesday.
The Randklev Bridge was last inspected in 2019, and in 2021, it underwent sandblasting and painting. According to Bane Nor, railway bridges are subject to a general inspection every six years. Despite the bridge’s sturdy construction, the storm’s devastating effects have left it lying in the riverbed. The situation is demanding, with saturated terrain and high water flow in the Lågen River, making it a daunting task to restore the bridge and the surrounding area.