Wedoany.com Report-May 26, The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has awarded Skanska, a Swedish construction company, a $435 million (NOK 4.4 billion) contract to upgrade a 21.5km section of the E6 highway between Megården and Sommerset in Sørfold Municipality, located 120km inside the Arctic Circle. The project, which began in 2025 and is slated for completion by late 2031, aims to improve safety and reliability on this critical north-south route.

The E6 highway in Mørsvikbotn, Nordland County, Norway

The current E6 section is known for its hazardous conditions, particularly in winter, due to its mountainous and coastal terrain, which includes fjord crossings. The new road will feature 13.8km of tunnels, 6.9km of open surface road, and 800m of bridges, shortening the route by 12km. This upgrade is the first of three planned phases to enhance the 44km stretch from Megården to Mørsvikbotn, improving travel efficiency and safety.

Skanska was selected over three other bidders—AF Gruppen Norge, a joint venture of Implenia Norge and Bertelsen & Garpestad, and a joint venture of LNS, Risa, and OHLA—following a tender process launched in April 2024. The project is expected to address the challenges of the existing road, which is prone to accidents and closures, forcing travelers to take an 11-hour detour through Sweden during disruptions.

Norway’s transport minister, Jon-Ivar Nygård, praised the contract award, stating: “It is good that we have now got a solid player in the country for the construction of the E6 Megården-Sommerset. The entire E6 Megården-Mørsvikbotn section is currently an accident-prone and demanding section for travelers, especially in winter.” He emphasized the project’s importance for residents, businesses, and emergency preparedness in the region.

The upgraded E6 section will provide a safer and more reliable connection, supporting economic activity and improving access for communities in Sørfold Municipality. By reducing travel distance and enhancing road conditions, the project contributes to Norway’s infrastructure development and regional connectivity, particularly in the challenging Arctic environment.