Bamble municipality has been talking about "Gassveien" (Gas road) for over 50 years. Now, the construction is finally underway! We're involved in welding the new water pipeline.
County Road 353 between Rugtvedt and Surtebogen in Bamble, commonly known as "Gassveien", has been a topic for several decades. The stretch runs between the important industrial area on the west side of Frierfjorden, where major companies like our neighbor Ineos, their sister company Inovyn, and the plastic pipe manufacturer Pipelife are located, and the E18. Plans were developed in the 1970s – the industry was responsible for the road between Herre and Surtebogen, which was quickly upgraded, and the state for the remaining stretch between Surtebogen and Rugtvedt.
The road is narrow and winding, close to residential houses and vulnerable road users – and a true nightmare for the tens of thousands of trucks that drive on it annually.
"Gassveien is crucial for diverting heavy traffic away from residential areas, ensuring safe bike paths for children and young people, and, not least, improving accessibility for those who live here," said County Mayor Sven Tore Løkslid to Bamble municipality when the first dynamite blast was set off in January 2024.
It is Hæhre who won the tender for the construction of Gassveien, a stretch of 3.9 km. The project includes blasting/earthmoving, road construction, water and sewage, electrical work, and structures.
As part of the project, a new water pipeline for Bamble municipality will be established along the stretch, and this is where Bluegreen comes in.
"We are engaged by Isaksen Hæhre, a subsidiary of Hæhre, to weld the water pipeline. The water and sewage pipes we weld have a dimension ranging from 180 to 800 mm," says Tim Robinson, one of the plastic welders that are involved in the project. "It includes pipes for water, sewage, and stormwater, as well as ducts where necessary.
Our plastic workshop welds and delivers all pipe fittings such as bends and branches. This is a significant advantage for both us and the client.
Read more: Our plastic workshop delivers prefabrication
Gassveien is planned to be completed by the summer of 2026.
