Debate, Fredrikstad center | The excavation works in the city centre: Working to be completed earlier

Despite challenges with cables in the ground that are not drawn on maps, the ground conditions at Torvbyen, and worse than expected condition of storm water pipes, the construction works in the center are following the progress plan.

In the comment “This is planning to cry about” on 24 April, editor-in-chief René Svendsen in Fredriksstad Blad expresses concern about the construction work in the city center and how this affects business and the residents of the area.

Fredrikstad municipality understands that this is a burden on businesses and residents in the area, and is working to finish earlier on the sections where this is possible.

The work begun in Brochs gate and Farmanns gate in the city center began in August 2023, and it has long been clear that the work should be finished in autumn 2024. As director of technical operations, I would like to explain a little more about the status of this work.

In the city centre, the municipality is upgrading the water and sewage network. This is the last part of the rehabilitation of the mains network in the city centre, and when it is completed will contribute to us having a much better capacity for handling storm water in extreme weather with torrential rain, etc. In addition, the works will provide a much more secure water supply in the city centre.

When extensive works are already taking place in the street, we also take the opportunity to build cycle lanes, pavements and median reductions. The project in the city center is complex and requires precise planning and execution to ensure that the result is safe and durable. However, in facilities where digging is done in the ground, unforeseen challenges can arise that affect progress.

In the city centre, three challenges have primarily arisen:

• Undocumented cables in the ground. When we come across old cables that are not drawn on maps, this presents challenges. Before they are cut, what will be affected must be mapped. This takes time.
• Worse condition of the stormwater pipes at Evjekaia than expected. After more thorough investigations, it was discovered that the pipes were in such poor condition that they still had to be replaced.
• Major problems with the stability of Torvbyen building A. The conditions around Torvbyen have been particularly challenging. In February, the municipality received notice from Citycon that work that had begun in Brochs gate between Glemmengaten and Torvbyen had to be stopped, pending the necessary clarifications regarding the stability of the building. Simply explained, digging near Torvbyen can lead to an increased risk of further damage and slips at building A. It is a situation we must avoid.

Information for businesses and residents We understand that our projects can lead to significant inconvenience and concerns as a result of construction activity, noise, traffic and transport challenges. We therefore work to reduce the disadvantages and find solutions that meet the needs of business and other affected parties.

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In this project, we have distributed information leaflets to shops, businesses and other affected people in the area. We have attended morning meetings in the Fredrikstad Business Association and informed through the media and on a separate website for the project. The project management and contractor have also had personal contact with those directly affected during the project, especially in relation to accessibility. However, we recognize that communication can always be improved along the way and work to be at the forefront of information.

Work is currently underway to lay curbstones and planters in the middle slope between Evjekaia and Glemmengaten. The sidewalk on the blocked-off side is also being completed. Once this is done, it is placed on soil, and the area is prepared for paving the roadway and pavement. Traffic will then be diverted to the finished carriageway, and work will continue with laying curbstones and paving on the other side of the road.

The part of the project that goes from Evjekaia to the intersection at Glemmengaten will be completed earlier than the part that goes on from there to Torvbyen. Much of this will be completed before the joint holiday. In order to minimize the disadvantages of digging in the center so work

Fredrikstad municipality is now taking all possible measures in collaboration with the contractor to further accelerate progress and complete the works at the earliest possible time. There are also talks with Torvbyen to finish the last part of the project from the crossing Glemmengaten to Torvbyen.

The claim that the project is delayed due to non-delivery of soil is not true. The soil will be delivered and laid out when the curbstones are in place and it is prepared for paving.

Long periods of digging, closed streets, fences etc. are demanding. When the excavation work is finished, we hope that we will have a Fredrikstad center that is well equipped for stormwater management, has a better water supply and will be an even more pleasant city center to stay in for residents, businesses and visitors alike.