EPC Ski contract nominated

The contract has a value of approx. 2.3 billion NOK, and the award value is within the estimated budget for this contract. The EPC Ski contract is scheduled to be signed in the beginning of August, and the work will commence immediately thereafter.

The project area for the EPC Ski contract is located about 25 km south of Oslo, covering the public transport centre of Ski and the open section between Langhus and Ski; including a total reconstruction of Ski station. The Follo Line Project is currently the largest infrastructure project in Norway.

Five companies prequalified

Similar to the other large EPC contracts for the Follo Line, the size of the contract for EPC Ski has attracted international attention. The offers have been thoroughly evaluated, and the decision to nominate Obrascón Huarte Lain S.A. was made based on an economical and project performance comparison. According to Norwegian public procurement legislation, the contract will be signed after the mandatory complaints period has expired.

An experienced international company

Obrascón Huarte Lain S.A.(OHL) is recognized as a major company within infrastructure construction and has a world-wide activity based on a broad range of projects. The company tracks its history back to 1911, and is now running projects on several continents. OHL also has experience from the execution of high-speed railway. The contract for the Follo Line Project at Ski will be the company's first enterprise in Norway.

- The nominated company serves our requirements for a competitive price, combined with extensive relevant experience. OHL have proven their ability for executing large projects in new markets. Their technical solutions meet all of our requirements; as well do their highly competent and experienced personnel. We are looking very much forward to the collaboration with OHL, says Erik Smith, Project Director for the Follo Line Project.

A diverse scope of work

EPC Ski covers a total stretch of 3,5km, and the work area extends from the Follo Line tunnel's southern portals in the north and ends south of Ski, the regional centre of Follo. The scope of work for EPC Ski will have interface with the Tunnel TBM contract for the Follo Line, where the two separate tunnels turns into the open section.

In the open section between Langhus and Ski the double track will continue with realignment of the existing Østfold Line. The scope of work for this area will cover a six track section including connection tracks east and west, an upgrading of the Østfold line, and various constructions including access roads, emergency places, noise barriers, tunnel portals, etc.

At Ski Station area, the existing station shall be completely reconstructed. The new Ski Station will include six new tracks, three new central platforms and a new underpass. A new road bridge, a new bus terminal, bicycle parking facilities, an enlarged car park, walkways and travel areas will be built in connection with the station. In addition, new technical buildings shall be constructed and a turning track south of Ski.

Railway systems are part of the scope of work for both the open section between Langhus and Ski and the new Ski station.

Comprehensive contract

The scope of work to be performed within the EPC Ski contract strategy includes the performance of all activities, including the provision of all resources, people, systems, equipment and materials and the execution of all engineering, procurement and construction.  Preparatory works for EPC Ski commenced at the beginning of 2014 and will be completed during September this year.