Norway’s Hove Stabling Facility: Rail Infrastructure Enhancement

Introduction

Bane NOR has finished constructing new tracks at the Hove stabling facility, located near Lillehammer. This project, which is integral to strengthening railway services in the Innlandet region, includes new tracks capable of parking up to 16 trainsets.

Project Overview

The Hove stabling facility, situated approximately 3 km north of Lillehammer, will see the relocation of current train parking from Lillehammer town center. Passenger boarding and alighting will not occur at Hove. The construction of these stabling facilities allows Bane NOR to prevent empty trains from occupying space at stations or on other tracks. It also facilitates interior cleaning and daily maintenance of train sets.

Infrastructure Details

The facility includes eight tracks designed to accommodate a total of 16 Flirt trains, utilized for regional services. The area will also be accessible for other rail vehicles. Construction, which commenced in 2023, was managed by Baneservice. The project is expected to be fully operational by the December timetable change, according to project manager Morten Berg-Solbakken at Bane NOR.

Operational Impact

These new parking facilities are crucial for increasing departures to and from Lillehammer and along the southern section of the Dovre Line in the long term, though additional improvements further south are necessary. A siding has also been built south of the new stabling area at Hove, designed to accommodate freight trains up to 650 meters long, allowing them to wait off the main line of the Dovre Line.

Freight Operations

The siding is intended to accommodate delayed freight trains without disrupting Dovre Line services, as well as trains serving the timber terminal. This is part of a broader effort to move more freight to rail and improve train operations. Hove is home to Norway’s third-largest timber terminal, and Bane NOR is currently evaluating options to expand its capacity.

Conclusion

Bane NOR has completed the construction of new tracks at the Hove stabling facility near Lillehammer, which will house up to 16 trainsets. The project, managed by Baneservice, is set to be fully operational by December and includes a siding for freight trains. These developments aim to improve rail services in the Innlandet region and support freight operations.

Company Summary

Bane NOR: Bane NOR is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the Norwegian railway network.

Baneservice: Baneservice served as the main contractor for the Hove stabling facility project.