The road has been closed since Thursday, when a passenger train derailed and came to rest right next to the road.
On Sunday, there was another landslide in the same place. This has delayed the recovery mission, the Swedish Road Administration states in a press release.
– Bane Nor is now preparing the work to remove the stone block, and the actual removal can start on Tuesday at the earliest. When they have removed the stone block and secured the area sufficiently, they will rig cranes to lift out the locomotive and the two carriages, they write.
The company also states that there are demanding working conditions on site. Bane Nor cannot therefore give an exact timetable for this work.
The road will be closed until the recovery operation is finished, but the emergency services’ need for accessibility will be taken care of.
There will be a new assessment of when the E6 can be reopened on Thursday 31 October at 4 p.m., the Road Administration informs. If the road is opened, it will happen from the morning hours on Friday.
The recommended detour is still on the E12 over Umbukta via Sweden, and national highway 73 via Hattfjelldal. The Swedish authorities have temporarily relaxed the customs restrictions and given a general permit for Norwegian transport to cross the border.
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**Interview with Lars Hansen, Senior Operations Manager at Bane Nor**
**Editor:** Lars, thank you for joining us today. Can you update us on the situation regarding the recent train derailment and the subsequent landslide that has halted recovery efforts?
**Lars Hansen:** Thank you for having me. Currently, our focus is on assessing the site and preparing for the removal of the stone block that’s obstructing the recovery of the train. The recovery effort has faced delays due to safety concerns, especially after the landslide we experienced on Sunday. We anticipate that the removal work could start by Tuesday if conditions allow.
**Editor:** Given the demanding working conditions and the uncertainty surrounding the timeline, how confident are you that recovery operations will resume smoothly?
**Lars Hansen:** While we are hopeful to start the recovery by Tuesday, the reality is that safety is our top priority. We cannot give a definitive timetable at this stage, as we need to ensure the area is secure for our team to work. It’s a complex situation, and we are doing everything we can to expedite the process.
**Editor:** With the road closure and the recommended detour in effect, there’s been a mix of inconvenience and concern among travelers and local residents. What measures are being taken to ensure their accessibility and safety during this period?
**Lars Hansen:** We’re in constant communication with the emergency services to accommodate their needs, and we’ve established alternative routes for travelers. We’ve also been in touch with Swedish authorities to facilitate transport across the border during this time.
**Editor:** Some residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged disruption. Do you believe there should be more proactive measures in place to prevent such incidents and improve recovery times in the future?
**Lars Hansen:** That’s an important point, and we understand the frustrations of the community. It’s essential for us to evaluate our current protocols and consider improvements. We encourage feedback and discussions on how we can better prepare for such crises in the future.
**Editor:** Thank you, Lars. In light of this situation, how do you respond to concerns regarding the preparedness of our infrastructure for handling such unexpected incidents? Do you think we need more investment in safety measures and contingency planning?
**Lars Hansen:** That’s a pivotal debate. Increased investment in infrastructure and rigorous contingency planning could undoubtedly enhance our readiness for emergencies. It’s critical for stakeholders, including the public, to weigh in on this matter. How do you feel about the balance between investment and existing safety measures? Should more be done to ensure our infrastructure can withstand such occurrences?
During this closure. The safety and accessibility of travelers and local residents remain a top priority for us. While the main road is shut down, we’ve ensured that emergency services can still access the area. Additionally, the recommended detours via E12 and national highway 73 have been established to help ease the burden on local traffic. We appreciate the patience of everyone affected during this time.
**Editor:** That’s reassuring to hear. Can you talk a bit about the collaboration with Swedish authorities in light of the customs adjustments for Norwegian transport?
**Lars Hansen:** Certainly. We are grateful for the cooperation from Swedish authorities, who have temporarily relaxed customs restrictions to facilitate the movement of goods and vehicles needed for the recovery. This collaboration is crucial, not only for the efficiency of the recovery operation but also for supporting the local communities that rely on this transport route.
**Editor:** Lastly, you mentioned a reassessment of the E6 reopening on October 31. What factors will influence that decision?
**Lars Hansen:** The primary factors will be the safety of the site and the progress made in the recovery operations. We will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure that the road is fully secure before considering reopening it to traffic. Our aim is to provide clarity to the public, so I encourage residents to stay updated through our official channels as we approach that date.
**Editor:** Thank you, Lars, for your insights and updates. We wish you and your team the best in the recovery efforts.
**Lars Hansen:** Thank you for having me. We’ll keep working diligently to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.