The cross train at Rjukan will be closed for the rest of the year – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio

On Wednesday, it was announced that the Norwegian Railway Inspectorate had closed the Krossobanen with immediate effect. They believe that the track does not have a maintenance standard that they find is safe to continue operating. – The track will be closed for quite some time, and at least until the end of the year, says chairman Karin Rø. The cross train runs from Rjukan up to the foot of Hardangervidda. It was built in 1928 as a gift from Norsk Hydro so that Rjukan’s population could bask in the sun during the winter months. Preoccupied with security – The consequence is that there is a tourist attraction on Rjukan that is not accessible, but we have to focus on sorting this out and not rush. We have to do things thoroughly and properly, says Rø. Karin Rø is chairman of Krossobanen. Photo: Ragnar Lurås / news Last autumn, a need to repair the suspension was discovered, but they chose instead to buy a new one. It took time to obtain the necessary custom-made equipment. The chairman said in a press release yesterday that it is unfortunate that they did not notify the Norwegian Railway Authority about this. – We apologize, of course, and we adhere one hundred percent to the order we have received from the Norwegian Railway Authority. We are very concerned about safety, and that is also why we have chosen the solution of producing new products, she tells news on Thursday. Two alternatives to change On Thursday, the board of Krossobanen briefed the municipal council in Tinn, in addition they had an internal meeting where they got more facts about the situation and what they can do. What happens next now is somewhat up in the air, says Rø. – We have two options. One is to improve things that need to be improved. The second is to wait until the new running gear is finished. The Krossobanen at Rjukan is Northern Europe’s largest dual carriageway, and is a popular tourist attraction. Photo: Anne Lognvik / news One of the spearheads – It is part of our history, so of course it is sad. That’s what Henrik Bjørdal, general manager of Visit Rjukan, says. – It is one of the spearheads in Tinn municipality, and a very popular track for those going up to see the view, visit the cafe and it is the gateway to Hardangervidda. They are now concerned with looking ahead and taking care of the guests, and contacting those who have booked through Visit Rjukan. – We have some group bookings, and we are in contact with them and find new solutions and activities for them. He believes there is enough to do for the tourists who come to Rjukan. – We will still have city tours, you can follow in the saboteurs’ footsteps and we have a lot of industrial and war history. It should go very well. Published 20.06.2024, at 19.44



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