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Bergensbanen
The Bergensbanen on the Hardangervidda near Finse. The Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau ("vidda" in Norwegian) in the Hardanger region of western Norway. The track shown here is an abandoned section of the line, which now runs through a tunnel
Info
Type Railway
System Norwegian railway
Terminals Hønefoss [1]
Bergen [1]
No. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. The Norwegian railway system comprises 4087 km of Standard gauge (1435 mm track of which 2622 km is electrified and 219 km Double track Hønefoss Station (Hønefoss stasjon is a Railway station located at Hønefoss in Ringerike, Norway. The Bergen Railway Station is the main railway station in the city of Bergen, Norway. of stations 39 [2][3]
Operation
Opened November 27, 1909[4]
Owner Jernbaneverket
Operator(s) Norges Statsbaner
CargoNet
Character Express trains
Freight trains
Rolling stock BM 73, El 18
Technical
Line length 372 kilometres (231 mi) [1]
No. Events 1095 - Pope Urban II declares the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont Year 1909 ( MCMIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Norges Statsbaner commonly know as NSB or the Norwegian State Railways is a Norwegian transport company CargoNet AS is the primary operator of Freight trains on the Norwegian railway system. NSB BM73 is a four car Electric multiple unit operated by Norway 's main passenger railway company Norges Statsbaner (NSB on long-haul and regional NSB El 18 is the main Electric locomotive used by Norges Statsbaner hauling all locomotive-based express trains in Norway of tracks Single [1]
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) [5]
Electrification 15 kV 16⅔ Hz AC
Highest elevation 1,237 metres (4,060 ft) [6]

Bergensbanen is a 372 kilometres (231 mi) railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway. A single track Railway is one where traffic in both directions shares the same track is the second largest city in Norway. It is located on the south-western coast of Norway in the county of Hordaland in between a group of mountains known as De syv fjell Hønefoss is an unincorporated city in Buskerud county Norway, and the centre of the municipality of Ringerike. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional [1] The name is often applied for the entire route from Bergen to Oslo, a distance of 460 kilometres (290 mi)[7]. (called Christiania from 1624 to 1878 and Kristiania from 1878 to 1924 is the Capital and largest city of Norway. It is the highest mainline railway line in Northern Europe,[8] crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at 1,237 metres (4,060 ft) above sea level. The Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau ("vidda" in Norwegian) in the Hardanger region of western Norway. [9]

The railway opened in 1909[10] and electrified in 1954-64. Railway electrification supplies electrical energy to railway Locomotives and Multiple units so they can operate without having a Reciprocating [11] The entire line is single track[1] and served with passenger trains by Norges Statsbaner (NSB) and freight trains by CargoNet. A single track Railway is one where traffic in both directions shares the same track Norges Statsbaner commonly know as NSB or the Norwegian State Railways is a Norwegian transport company CargoNet AS is the primary operator of Freight trains on the Norwegian railway system. Bergensbanen is owned and maintained by the Norwegian National Rail Administration (Jernbaneverket). Flåmsbana remains as the only branch line. [1]

Contents

History

First step to Voss

Map of the Bergensbanen and principal stations
Map of the Bergensbanen and principal stations
Main article: Vossebanen

The first documented idea of building a railway between Norway's two largest cities was launched by Hans Gløersen on August 24, 1871 in Bergensposten. Hans Andreas Tandberg Gløersen (1836 Nord-Aurdal – 1904 was a Norwegian forest manager and Lawyer. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar 's General Gaius Scribonius Curio is defeated in the Second Battle of the Bagradas River Year 1871 ( MDCCCLXXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Bergensposten is a defunct Newspaper published in Bergen, Norway from March 1, 1854 until 1893 when it merged with The forest supervisor in Voss suggested building the railway via Voss and Hallingdal to connect with Krøderbanen. Hallingdal is a Valley and traditional district in Buskerud county in Norway. Back in 1866 the same person had launched the idea of Jærbanen. Within days of the launch of Bergensbanen the city council had assimilated support for the suggestion. In 1872 the railway director Carl Abraham Phil and two engineers went on a survey tour to look at the suggested line. [12] At the time it was common that proposals for railways came from local initiative, and that local municipalities and private investors would then pay about 20% of the investments, the state covering the rest, mostly through foreign debt. External debt (or foreign debt) is that part of the total debt in a country that is owed to Creditors outside the country [13]

Political processes

On October 20, 1871 two engineers traversed the two possible routes from Bergen to Voss; the one via Fana, Os and Hardangerfjord, the other via Dale and Sørfjord. Events 1740 - Maria Theresa takes the throne of Austria. France, Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony Year 1871 ( MDCCCLXXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Fana is a borough of the city of Bergen Norway and a former municipality in Hordaland county With a length of 179 km (111 miles the Hardangerfjord in the county of Hordaland in Norway is the third largest Fjord in the world and the second Dale (or Dalekvam) is the administrative centre of Vaksdal municipality Norway. Though covering a less populated area, the latter would be cheaper to build, and have less elevation. A railway committee was created on January 25, 1872 with a limited mandate, which was increased again December 20. Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate Year 1872 ( MDCCCLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year At the same time there was a dispute between the ministry and Phil about whether to prioritize Bergensbanen, but in July 1872 surveys where performed in person by Phil and two engineers, and their report was positive. At the same time he launched the idea of a branch line up Valdres to Lærdal. Valdres is a traditional district in central southern Norway, situated between Gudbrandsdal and Hallingdal. Lærdal is a municipality in the southwestern part of Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. [14]

By 1873 agreement had been reached as to the right-of-way to Voss, but not onwards towards Oslo. On January 13, 1874 the city council started issuing stock for Vossebanen, to begin with 400,000 spd (NOK 1. Events 532 - Nika riots in Constantinople. 888 - Odo Count of Paris becomes King of the Franks Year 1874 ( MDCCCLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The speciedaler was the currency of Norway between 1816 and 1875 6 million) was issued. In the 1873 parliamentary election the railway supporter Peter Jebsen was elected, spending the next few years furiously defending the railway. Peter Jebsen (born 1824 in Duchy of Schleswig, died October 30 1892) was a Norwegian Businessperson and Politician. Parliament chose to not issue now railway projects in the 1874 session, and instead make a complete plan for all railway construction in the country, to be proposed by a committee. When the report was launched on March 20, 1875 Vossebanen was not included since it could not show a higher profitability than 1%. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. Year 1875 ( MDCCCLXXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common During the 1875 session there was not a majority for Vossebanen, partially due to the lack of capital available for local investors. This was based on a claim from Johan Jørgen Schwartz, the chairman of the committee, that the investment costs were underestimated. Johan Jørgen Schwartz (1824 Drammen – 1898 was a Norwegian Politician and Businessperson. This was countered by Nils Henrik Bruun, a constructor from Bergen, who was willing to construct all tunnels on the railway for less than the budgeted sum. Nils Henrik Bruun (born in Tønsberg in 1832 died 1916 was a Norwegian Engineer. When Jebsen in addition was willing to act as personal guarantee for Bruun in case of his death, the majority in the parliament shifted. On June 9, 1875 parliament voted with 61 against 42 to build Vossebanen. Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits Year 1875 ( MDCCCLXXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common [15]

Construction

The ceremony at the completion of the track at Ustaoset in 1907.
The ceremony at the completion of the track at Ustaoset in 1907.

Vossebanen was built with narrow gauge, 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in). A narrow gauge railway (or narrow gauge railroad) is a Railway that has a Track gauge narrower than the of Standard gauge railways The first parts of the construction started in December 1875, while the largest part started in March 1876. During the winter the engineers had done the last finesses on the plans. At any given time at least 800 men worked on the construction[16], and at the most 1,800 men where in employment. [17] They had 12 hours working day and were paid NOK 2. 55 per day, the highest wage for navvy in the country. [18] To a large extent the labour came from Sweden, who had just finished Vänerenbanan and had excess of skilled labour for construction. This import of labour had the effect of pumping money into the local economy, and several taverns were built along the line. There were some accidents, and several deaths among the workers. [19][20]

The construction work was finished in 1882 and some test services began, though not scheduled until the spring of 1883. Official opening commenced on July 11, 1883. Events 911 - Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. Year 1883 ( MDCCCLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Many of the navvys settled on Vossebanen after construction, and started working for NSB as part of the operation. [21]

Across the mountain

By the time Vossebanen was completed Norway had plunged into recession. A recession is a contraction phase of the Business cycle. The U Parliament was not willing go give more money to railways, and the country had to make due with a transport plan launched in 1886 that did not follow up with any funding. On March 1, 1894 parliament after five days of debate chose, with 60 against 53 votes, to build Bergensbanen. Events 86 BC - Lucius Cornelius Sulla, at the head of a Roman Republic army enters in Athens, removing the Tyrant Year 1894 ( MDCCCXCIV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common [22] Several different routes had been proposed, including over Krøderen, or down Numedal (which later would get the railway Numedalsbanen). Numedal is a Traditional district in south-eastern Norway. Numedal running mainly north-to-south extends from Kongsberg in the south to Rødberg In the end Hallingdal was chosen, connecting to Hønefoss and via Sandvika. To save costs a preliminary line would connect Hønefoss to Roa with the branch line Roa-Hønefossbanen. The final stage would be along Gjøvikbanen to Oslo. The line would also connect to the system via Randsfjordbanen at Hønefoss.

Local financing was ready within a year, yet it took six years to survey the line properly, and construction start had to weight until 1901. [23] Construction started with the building of roads to get in supplied to the construction sites, completed in 1902. The construction was exceptionally challenging, at high altitudes in in a region without roads and with a climate that saw many meters of snow in the winter and temperatures far below freezing. [24] All in all 113 tunnels, totaling 28 kilometres (17 mi) had to be built; the longest being the 5,311 metres (17,420 ft) Gravehalsen Tunnel, alone costing NOK 3 million and the longest tunnel north of the Alps. It took six years to build, and had to be excavated manually through solid gneiss. Gneiss (ˈnaɪs is a common and widely distributed type of rock formed by high-grade regional metamorphic processes from preexisting formations that were originally [25] Laying of track was started in 1906, and in 1907 the two groups, both having started at their own end, met at Ustadoset. A small celebration was made at the spot (see image).

It had been decided that Bergensbanen, unlike Vossebanen, was to be built with standard gauge. The standard gauge (also named the Stephenson gauge after George Stephenson, or Normal gauge) is a widely-used Rail gauge. So the newly laid line from Bergen to Voss had to be converted in time for the opening of Bergensbanen. This was especially challenging because of the continuous traffic on the line, with 36 departures per day to Nesttun, six to Garnes and four to Voss. In preparation a few curves had to be straightened, the tunnels widened and the bridges strengthened. On the night of 10/11 August, 1904 all the track was changed and in the morning the trains could operate on standard gauge to Voss. [26]

The first services started on July 1, 1907 from Voss to Myrdal. "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Myrdal is a surname and may refer to Alva Myrdal (1902-1986 Swedish diplomat politician and writer Gunnar Myrdal (1898-1987 Swedish An official opening train attempted to cross part of the line to Gulsvik on December 9, 1907, but got stuck in heavy snow and had to return. Events 536 - Byzantine General Belisarius enters Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully leaves the city Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year It turned out that the railway had to close and it took one and a half month to clear it for snow. It was even the rotary snowplow at 750 kW was not powerful enough to get rid of it. A rotary snowplow is a piece of Railroad snowfighting equipment A new attempt to open the line in 1908 succeeded, and a train went from Gulsvik to Bergen. The line from Roa to Gulsvik was still under construction, so passage was along Drammenbanen via Krøderbanen with ship over Krøderen to Gulsvik. Lake Krøderen, or Krøderfjord as many call it stretches about 41 Km north from the village with the same name and reaches north to Gulsvik village The first scheduled train from Oslo Vestbanestasjon en route to Bergen departed June 10, 1908. Oslo Vestbanestasjon or Oslo V was the terminal Railway station of Drammenbanen between 1872 and 1989 Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem Year 1908 ( MCMVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year [27]

On November 25, 1909 a train en route from Bergen rolled into Oslo Østbanestasjon, and two days later the railway was officially opened at Voss. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the Year 1909 ( MCMIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting [28] King Haakon VII stated upon the opening that the line was the Norwegian engineering masterpiece of his generation. Haakon VII (Prince Carl of Denmark born Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel) (3 August 1872 in Charlottenlund 21 September 1957 in Oslo)

Steaming up

The rotary snowplow fighting its way across Hardangervidda in 1908
The rotary snowplow fighting its way across Hardangervidda in 1908

World War II was a demanding time for the railway line, as the track was in heavy use for both civilian and military transportation, and much of the equipment and maintenance was lacking. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including On February 28, 1944 a descending eastbound freight train loaded with oil and petrol lost its braking power and became a runaway train, finally ploughing into a westbound passenger train at Breifoss, just east of Geilo. Events 202 BC - coronation ceremony of Liu Bang as Emperor Gaozu of Han takes place initiating four centuries of the Han Dynasty 's rule Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. is a centre in the municipality of Hol in Norway, in the valley of Hallingdal, with around 2300 inhabitants The crash and subsequent fire killed 25 civilians and an unknown number of German soldiers. Poor lubrication oil combined with the cold weather is believed to have caused the accident.

White coal across white plains

An NSB El 18 hauled express train just leaving the Finse Tunnel
An NSB El 18 hauled express train just leaving the Finse Tunnel
An NSB type 73 express train at Oslo S waiting for departure to Bergen
An NSB type 73 express train at Oslo S waiting for departure to Bergen

Norway is a country with abundance of hydroelectricity and NSB saw huge amounts of money burning up with the imported coal. NSB El 18 is the main Electric locomotive used by Norges Statsbaner hauling all locomotive-based express trains in Norway The Finse Tunnel (Finsetunnelen is long railway tunnel west of Finse on the Bergensbanen railway line between Oslo and Bergen in NSB BM73 is a four car Electric multiple unit operated by Norway 's main passenger railway company Norges Statsbaner (NSB on long-haul and regional Hydroelectricity is electricity generated by Hydropower, ie the production of power through use of the gravitational force of falling water Plans for electrification of Bergensbanen is as old as the railway itself, and in 1912 the line from Nesttun to Bergen was proposed electrified and rebuilt to double track,[29] having seen Thamshavnbanen open with electric traction in in 1908. Railway electrification supplies electrical energy to railway Locomotives and Multiple units so they can operate without having a Reciprocating [10] During the planning of Hardangerbanen and Flåmsbana during the 30s the suggestion again arose, and both the branch lines were built with electric traction, but not the main line. Countersuggestions were raised proposing a conversion to the locomotives running on oil or coal dust. Petroleum ( L petroleum, from Greek πετρέλαιον, lit Coal dust is a fine powdered form of Coal, which is created by the crushing grinding or pulverizing of coal In 1939 a plan for national electrification was launched, and Vossebanen was top priority. But the breakout of World War II set the plans back, and not until the 50s was it again possible to afford such investments. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including [30] Vossebanen took electric traction into use on July 2, 1954. Events 310 - Pope Miltiades is elected 626 - In fear of assassination Li Shimin ambushes and kills his rival Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) [10]

In 1952 a new plan was launched by parliament to electrify 1,153 kilometres (716 mi) of railway, with the line from Voss to Hønefoss prioritised fourth. In 1955 NSB launched the "away with the steam"-campaign, replacing all steam locomotives with electric or diesel traction. A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" A Diesel locomotive is a type of Railroad Locomotive in which the prime mover is a Diesel engine. Since electrification was not imminent, NSB introduced diesel traction on Bergensbanen in 1958, predominantly using Di 3 stock. NSB Di 3 is a class of Diesel locomotives which was used by Norges Statsbaner (NSB on non-electrified stretches of the Norwegian state railway Travel time between the two termini was reduced by about one hour. During summer the type 66 diesel multiple units were put into service, but they where not heavy enough to cope with winter and thus only served during the summer months. NSB BM66 was a three-car Electrical multiple unit train employed by Norges Statsbaner for express trains on the Sørlandsbanen railway A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board Diesel [31] The line was electrified in four stages, from Roa to Hønefoss on February 1, 1961, from Hønefoss to Ål on December 1, 1962, from Ål to Ustadoset on December 15, 1963 and finally from Ustadoset to Voss on December 7, 1964. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1961 ( MCMLXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 800 - Charlemagne judges the accusations against Pope Leo III in the Vatican Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of Year 1963 ( MCMLXIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 43 BC - Marcus Tullius Cicero assassinated 1696 - Connecticut Route 108, one of the oldest highways Year 1964 ( MCMLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the 1964 Gregorian calendar. [10] As the point of electrification moved across the mountain, so did the point NSB changed locomotive on the train. The new locomotive El 13 was put into service on the electric parts. NSB El 13 is a Norwegian Electric locomotive which was used by Norges Statsbaner (NSB for both passenger and freight trains The electrification cost NOK 143 million. [32]

The express trains have as one of the main lines always been allocated the newest locomotives by NSB. When the El 14 was delivered in 1968,[33] it was put into service on Bergensbanen, as was the El 16 in 1977[34], the El 17 in 1981[35] and finally the El 18 in 1996. NSB El 14 is a Norwegian Electric locomotive operated by CargoNet for freight trains hauling NSB El 16 is an Electric locomotive which is used on the Norwegian railway system by CargoNet to haul freight trains NSB El 17 is a class of Electric locomotives which was built for Norges Statsbaner's express trains by Thyssen-Henschel with electrical components from NSB El 18 is the main Electric locomotive used by Norges Statsbaner hauling all locomotive-based express trains in Norway [36] The older locomotives have been relegated to freight service. In 2000 electric multiple units were put into service with the type 73 tilting trains, branded as Signatur and capable of 210 kilometres per hour (130 mph). An electric multiple unit or EMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of many carriages using Electricity as the motive power NSB BM73 is a four car Electric multiple unit operated by Norway 's main passenger railway company Norges Statsbaner (NSB on long-haul and regional A tilting train is a Train with a tilting mechanism that enables increased speed on regular Railway tracks NSB Signatur was a Brand name created by Norges Statsbaner (NSB for their express train service in Norway on Bergensbanen, Sørlandsbanen However, they cannot be used at those speed on any part of Bergensbanen, and only some parts of Askerbanen and around Finse can they operate quicker than the locomotive hauled trains. [37]

Through the first mountain

Main article: Ulriken Tunnel

The first 32 kilometres (20 mi) form Bergen to Takvam represented a very roundabout way, and it was clear that it would be possible to reduce the line by 21 kilometres (13 mi) with the construction of three tunnels, Ulriken Tunnel (7,660 metres (25,100 ft)), Arnanipa Tunnel (2,177 metres (7,140 ft)) and Tunestveit Tunnel (40 metres (130 ft)). Ulrikken Tunnel or Ulrikkentunnelen is a Railway Tunnel on Bergensbanen in Norway that runs between Bergen Railway Station Ulrikken Tunnel or Ulrikkentunnelen is a Railway Tunnel on Bergensbanen in Norway that runs between Bergen Railway Station [38] The idea was approved by parliament in 1956, based on private financing from the businessperson Fritz Rieber. Construction started in 1959 with the tunnels being finished in 1963 while the tracks were finished laid on May 29, 1964 when the first train entered the tunnel. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Year 1964 ( MCMLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the 1964 Gregorian calendar. [39]

Riber has suggested a package for the politicians, where he would create a company that would borrow money to build both the Ulriken Tunnel, a shortening of the line from Hønefoss to Sandvika (Ringeriksbanen) and electrify the railway. Since NSB based their fares on the route length traveled, financing would be covered by a surcharge equal to the distance saved; ticket price would remain the same and within twenty years the debt would be covered. The government opposed the suggestion, Trygve Bratteli commenting that even though the financing was private, it would still have to use the same funding as government debt, and would jeopardize other projects, like Nordlandsbanen. (11 January 1910 &ndash 20 November 1984 was a Norwegian politician from the Labour Party and Prime Minister of Norway in 1971&ndash1972 and 1973&ndash1976 [40]

In 1980 the Oslo Tunnel was opened, allowing trains along Drammenbanen to go to the new Oslo Central Station, an upgrade of the former Oslo Ø. As a consequence of this, passenger trains were since the late 1980s rerouted via Drammen instead of via Roa, following Drammenbanen and Randsfjordbanen to Hønefoss. This allows the trains to pass through more densely populated areas and on trackage with more capacity. However, the change of route actually increased the length between the two termini with 23 kilometres (14 mi). But the better track standard via Drammen results in about the same travel time. Freight trains still go via Roa. [41]

Lowering the peak

Haugastøl-Hallingskeid
Legend
BHF
275,50 km Haugastøl (1908) 988. 0 m amsl
STRrg xABZrf
new line via Gråskallentunnelen
LUECKE exDST
288. 70 km Tunga Station
STRlf xABZlg
new line
BHF
302. 10 km Finse (1908) 1222. Finse is an area in the Ulvik municipality of Hordaland. The Railway station at Finse on the Bergensbanen at 1222m is the highest station on 2 m amsl
STRrg xABZrf
new line via Finse Tunnel (1993)
LUECKE exÜST
312. 28 km Kvinå (1959)
LUECKE exSTR
313. 00 km Taugevatn 1300 m amsl
LUECKE exTUNNEL2
(ca. 300 m)
LUECKE exTUNNEL2
(ca. 850 m)
STRlf xKRZ STRlg
xABZrg STRrf
318. 57 km Høgheller junction new line (1993)
BHF
322. 80 km Hallingskeid (1908) 1110. 1& m amsl
Freight train about to enter the Finse tunnel
Freight train about to enter the Finse tunnel
Main article: Finse Tunnel

During winter NSB had large costs keeping the line snow-free. The Finse Tunnel (Finsetunnelen is long railway tunnel west of Finse on the Bergensbanen railway line between Oslo and Bergen in Large diesel-electric snowploughs were stationed at Finse, and tens of kilometers of snow sheds were built on the most vulnerable parts. Finse is an area in the Ulvik municipality of Hordaland. The Railway station at Finse on the Bergensbanen at 1222m is the highest station on Especially the 22 kilometres (14 mi) part between Finse Station and Hallingskeid was a tear on resources, and heavy snowfall and drifts regularly closed the entire line. Finse Station (Finse stasjon is a Railway station located at Finse in Ulvik, Norway. A solution was proposed by NSB's director Robert Nordén in 1984, involving construction of a 10. Robert Fredrik Nordén (1926 - 1998 was a Norwegian Economist, Civil servant and Politician for the Labour Party. 5 kilometres (6. 5 mi) tunnel between the two stations. [42]

In 1989 the Norwegian Parliament approved the plans, including the upgrade of part of the line east of Finse. The Storting ( Stortinget, literally "the Great Thing /Assembly" is the Norwegian Parliament, and is located in the capital city In total NOK 750 million was invested in rebuilding 32 kilometres (20 mi) of line, shortening it by 4. The krone ( sign: kr; code: NOK) is the Currency of Norway. The plural form is kroner. 5 kilometres (2. 8 mi). At the same time the permitted speed could be increased from 70 kilometres per hour (43 mph) to 170 kilometres per hour (110 mph). The tunnel opened on June 16, 1992 while the rest of the upgrades opened in five steps in the period 1995-98. Events 1487 - Battle of Stoke Field, the last dying breath of the Wars of the Roses. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) The highest point of the line was reduced from 1,301 metres (4,270 ft) to 1,237 metres (4,060 ft). This point incurs inside the tunnel. [43] After the opening the base for snow removal was closed at Finse. [44]

Operation

Bergensbanen as a through line is used for up to five express trains operated by Norges Statsbaner, as well as freight trains by CargoNet. Norges Statsbaner commonly know as NSB or the Norwegian State Railways is a Norwegian transport company CargoNet AS is the primary operator of Freight trains on the Norwegian railway system. From Myrdal to bergen there are commuter rail services operated by NSB.

Line

The total distance from Oslo to Bergen via Drammen is 493 kilometres (306 mi), while Bergensbanen proper is 372 kilometres (231 mi). [1] The line has 182 tunnels,[1] totaling ca. 73 kilometres (45 mi), of which ten are over 2. 0 kilometres (1. 2 mi). [45] Finse Station remains the highest elevated station at 1,222. Finse Station (Finse stasjon is a Railway station located at Finse in Ulvik, Norway. 2 metres (4,010 ft), while the highest point is in the Finse Tunnel at 1,237 metres (4,060 ft). [46] The steepest gradient is on the Voss-Myrdal stretch, at 1:46:5.

Commuter rail

An NSB type 69 passing Trengereid Station
An NSB type 69 passing Trengereid Station
Main article: Bergen Commuter Rail

NSB operates a commuter rail service from Bergen with two hourly departures to Arna, plus fourteen daily departures to Voss, of which up to six continue to Myrdal. NSB BM69 is an Electric multiple unit used by Norges Statsbaner for a variety of commuter trains on the Norwegian railway system, as well as a few Trengereid is a local stop on the Bergensbanen railway It is located far east in Bergen, Norway, in the Arna borough on the shore of the Bergen Commuter Rail sometimes called Vossebanen is a Commuter rail between Bergen and Arna, Voss and Myrdal, Rolling stock is the type 69 multiple units. NSB BM69 is an Electric multiple unit used by Norges Statsbaner for a variety of commuter trains on the Norwegian railway system, as well as a few [47] The first part to Arna represents an important part of the public transport in Bergen, since the rail direct line through the mountain Ulriken is considerably faster than driving around. Ulriken (643 metres above sea level is the highest of the seven mountains (in Norwegian De syv fjell) that surround Bergen Norway.

Express service

Express trains operated by NSB have always been the primary passenger service on Bergensbanen. Passenger trains follow Drammenbanen and Askerbanen to Drammen, before heading north to Hønefoss on Randsfjordbanen. The express trains offer both transport from villages along the line to either Bergen or Oslo, as well travel between Norway's two largest cities. Up to two day trains are provided with type 73 multiple units, while the remaining services are with locomotive hauled trains. NSB BM73 is a four car Electric multiple unit operated by Norway 's main passenger railway company Norges Statsbaner (NSB on long-haul and regional Six nights a week there is a night train service. NSB Night Train ( Norwegian: Nattog) is a night Sleeping car service provided by the Norwegian State Railways (NSB on four routes Oslo Several parts of the line service places without road access, such as Finse and Myrdal. [48] Operating deficits are covered by the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Transportation and Communications ( Norwegian: Samferdselsdepartementet) is a Norwegian ministry established [49]

Freight

Freight trains are operated by CargoNet, hauled by El 14 and El 16 locomotives. CargoNet AS is the primary operator of Freight trains on the Norwegian railway system. NSB El 14 is a Norwegian Electric locomotive operated by CargoNet for freight trains hauling NSB El 16 is an Electric locomotive which is used on the Norwegian railway system by CargoNet to haul freight trains Most transport is from the terminal at Alnabru in Oslo to the terminal at Bergen Station. Freight trains use Roa-Hønefossbanen instead of going via Drammen since it is shorter; distance is more important than speed for freight trains. CargoNet operates up to four daily trains from Oslo, plus one from Drammen. [50] Rail freight on Bergensbanen increased by 80% from 2001-05, but further growth is not possible without better infrastructure; CargoNet has indicated they want five more passing loops, as well as extending them to increase train length from 400 to 600 m, claiming they could double freight traffic with adequate infrastructure. A passing loop (or "crossing loop" is a place on a single line railway/tramway where trains/trams in opposing directions can pass each other [51][52]

Heritage

Parts of the closed sections of Vossebanen, from Midttun to Garnes has been converted to a heritage railway, Gamle Vossebanen that is operated with steam trains by Norsk Jernbaneklubb during the summer. Nesttun is an urban centre and neighbourhood in the southern parts of the city of Bergen, Norway, located approximately 10  km south of the city centre Garnes may refer to the following locations Garnes in Ulstein municipality Møre og Romsdal Garnes in Bergen A heritage railway ( United Kingdom) preserved railway ( United Kingdom) or tourist railroad ( United States and Canada) is a The Norwegian Railway Association (Norsk Jernbaneklubb is a member association for people interested in Railways in Norway. [53] At Finse there is a navvy museum, and the old navvy road has become a cycle track. [54]

The branch line Flåmsbana has been converted to a tourist route. The railway has spectacular scenery and a vertical decent of 864 metres (2,830 ft) or 5. 5% along the 20 kilometres (12 mi) route from Myrdal to Flåm. Operation is still performed by NSB, but marketing is performed by Flåm Utvikling. Flåm Utvikling is a Railway company that manages the tourist line Flåmsbana in Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. [55] The stock used on the railway are El 17 hauling B3 wagons, all painted green. NSB El 17 is a class of Electric locomotives which was built for Norges Statsbaner's express trains by Thyssen-Henschel with electrical components from [56]

Future propositions

Map of the proposed Ringeriksbanen that would shorten Bergensbanen with 60 km
Map of the proposed Ringeriksbanen that would shorten Bergensbanen with 60 km

Upgrades

Ulriken Tunnel represents the largest bottleneck on Bergensbanen, due to the commuter trains to Arna. Ulrikken Tunnel or Ulrikkentunnelen is a Railway Tunnel on Bergensbanen in Norway that runs between Bergen Railway Station Building double track on the westernmost part of Bergensbanen would free up capacity not only of that part of the line, but the whole line across the mountains. A double track railway usually involves running one track in each direction compared to a single track railway where trains in both directions share the same track [57]

The original plans for Bergensbanen from 1894 included the construction of a new line from Hønefoss to Sandvika just west of Oslo. Sandvika is a Railway station located in downtown Sandvika in Bærum, Akershus, Norway. This line would reduce the distance on Bergensbanen with 60 kilometres (37 mi) and 50 minutes travel time. There has been a continual decision to built this railway line, but it has never received any funding. [58] Combined with other improvements totaling investments of NOK 7 billion, travel time could be reduced to four and a half hours. [59]

Closing

In 2002 the Norwegian National Rail Administration warned that lack of funding might lead to a closure of all long-distance passenger trains in Norway, including Bergensbanen. Torild Skogsholm, Minister of Transport and Communications assured that it was not the government's policy to close railway lines. Torhild Skogsholm (born October 18, 1959 in Bodø) is a Norwegian politician ( Liberal Party) See also List of Norwegian governments Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications Source [60] In 2004 the Progress Party suggested closing down the railway line and replacing it with a highway between Bergen and Oslo, arguing that the railway was unprofitable, and that bus transport was cheaper while easier truck transport would aid business. The Progress Party ( Bokmål: Fremskrittspartiet, Nynorsk: Framstegspartiet, Norwegian abbreviation FrP is a Norwegian * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Before adding any more images to this * * page please do carefully consider * * whether they would be mere decoration * * or actually improve Other political parties rejected the proposal pointing out the better environmental performance of the railway and that the railway transports large volumes of freight. [61]

High-speed rail

Main article: High-speed rail in Norway

Several suggestions for high-speed rail from Oslo to Bergen have been launched. Currently the only high-speed rail in Norway, on the railways of Norway is on Gardermobanen, a 60 kilometer line between Oslo Central Station and Preliminary studied performed for Jernbaneverket who positive cost-benefit ratios on building high-speed rail from Oslo to Bergen. A benefit-cost ratio (BCR is an indicator used in the formal discipline of Cost-benefit analysis, that attempts to summarize the overall Value for money of a project The most suitable route would approximately follow the existing route (but a new tunnel Oslo-Hønefoss). Oslo-Trondheim and Oslo-Halden are assumed to be built earlier because of lower cost. [62] Two lobbyist suggestions to the route have also been launched. The one involvs a "high-speed ring" from Oslo, via Numedal to Geilo, then following Bergensbanen to Bergen and continuing south to Stavanger and back to Oslo via Kristiansand. Numedal is a Traditional district in south-eastern Norway. Numedal running mainly north-to-south extends from Kongsberg in the south to Rødberg is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway. (formerly "Christianssand" is a city and municipality, and the capital of the county of Vest-Agder, Norway and of the geographical [63] Norsk Bane has launched the idea of building a common line from Oslo to Haukeli and then from branching off to Bergen and Stavanger. Norsk Bane is a Norwegian limited company that is working on plans to build a High-speed railway throughout large portions of Norway [64]

Centenary activities in 2009

Bergensbanen will have been serving passengers for 100 years in 2009. In connection with the Norwegian Year of Cultural Heritage 2009, memory institutions will be working with railway enthusiasts and the Norwegian Railway Museum to provide opportunities for towns and villages along the line to investigate how the railway affected their communities. The Norwegian Year of Cultural Heritage 2009 or (in Norwegian Kulturminneåret 2009 is aimed at highlighting the diversity and importance of Norway 's cultural

Stations

Upward gradient diagram of Bergensbanen
Upward gradient diagram of Bergensbanen
Station Elevation (m)[2] Distance from
Oslo (km)		 Distance from
Bergen (km)
Oslo S 2 0 493
Asker 104 24 469
Drammen 2 41 452
Hokksund 8 58 435
Vikersund 67 84 409
Hønefoss 96 112 381
Flå 155 174 319
Nesbyen 168 208 285
Gol 207 225 268
Ål 436 250 243
Geilo 794 275 218
Ustaoset 990 286 207
Haugastøl 988 297 196
Finse 1222 324 169
Hallingskeid 1110 345 148
Myrdal 867 358 135
Upsete 850 364 129
Mjølfjell 627 376 117
Voss 57 407 86
Dale 43 447 46
Arna 8 483 10
Bergen 2 493 0

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Jernbaneverket, 2007: 6
  2. ^ a b Jernbaneverket. Asker is a Railway station located in downtown Asker in Akershus, Norway. Drammen is a Railway station located in downtown Drammen in Buskerud, Norway. Hokksund Station (Hokksund stasjon is a Railway station located at the village of Hokksund in Øvre Eiker, Norway on the railway Sørlandsbanen Vikersund Station (Vikersund stasjon is a Railway station located at the village of Vikersund in Modum, Norway on the railway Randsfjordbanen Hønefoss Station (Hønefoss stasjon is a Railway station located at Hønefoss in Ringerike, Norway. Flå Station (Flå stasjon is a Railway station located in Flå, Norway. Nesbyen Station (Nesbyen stasjon is a Railway station located at Nesbyen Nes, Norway. Gol Station (Gol stasjon is a Railway station located at Gol, Norway. Ål Station (Ål stasjon is a Railway station located at Ål, Norway. Geilo Station (Geilo stasjon is a Railway station located at Geilo, Norway. Ustaoset is a village in Hol municipality Buskerud, Norway. It has a station on Bergensbanen between Geilo and Finse, Finse Station (Finse stasjon is a Railway station located at Finse in Ulvik, Norway. Myrdal Station (Myrdal stasjon is located along the Bergensbanen railway line in Aurland municipality in Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. Upsete Station (Upsete stasjon is a Railway station on Bergensbanen located at Upsete in Aurland, Norway. Mjølfjell Station (Mjølfjell stasjon is a Railway station on Bergensbanen located at Mjølfjell in Voss, Norway. Voss Station (Voss stasjon is a Railway station on Bergensbanen located in Voss, Norway. Dale Station (Dale stasjon is a Railway station located at Dale in Vaksdal, Norway. Arna Station (Arna stasjon is the second largest railway station in Bergen Norway; located in the Arna borough on the east side of Ulriken and between The Bergen Railway Station is the main railway station in the city of Bergen, Norway. Oslo - Bergen, Bergensbanen. Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  3. ^ Jernbaneverket. Bergen - Voss - Myrdal. Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  4. ^ Holøs, 1984:73
  5. ^ Holøs, 1984: 63
  6. ^ Rødland, 1999: 30
  7. ^ Jernbaneverket, 2007: 13
  8. ^ Finse Tunnel is the highest point in Bergensbanen, in Finse. Bergens Tidende. Retrieved on 2008-06-03. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering which is the highest railway in Northern Europe Norway in a Nutshell - Norway's most popular round trip tour. Norgate Online (March 12, 2008). Events 538 - Witiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Retrieved on 2008-06-03. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering
  9. ^ Rødland, 1999: 30
  10. ^ a b c d Jernbaneverket, 2007: 44
  11. ^ Jernbaneverket, 2006: 33
  12. ^ Gubberud, 1983: 16-17
  13. ^ Gubberud, 1983: 17-19
  14. ^ Gubberud, 1983: 19-21
  15. ^ Gubberud, 1983: 21-27
  16. ^ Gubberud, 1983: 30
  17. ^ Holøs, 1984: 18
  18. ^ Hille, L. M. . "Dagslønn", Bergens Aftenblad, 1881-06-07.  
  19. ^ Gubberud, 1983: 32
  20. ^ "Uheld på vossebanen", Bergens Aftenblad, 1880-01-13. (Norwegian) 
  21. ^ Gubberud, 1983: 32-33
  22. ^ Holøs, 1984: 28-30
  23. ^ Holøs, 1984: 31
  24. ^ Holøs, 1984: 33-34
  25. ^ Holøs, 1984: 38-43
  26. ^ Holøs, 1984: 63-64
  27. ^ Holøs, 1984: 63-69
  28. ^ Holøs, 1984: 73-75
  29. ^ Holøs, 1984: 93
  30. ^ Hobøl, 1984: 93-95
  31. ^ Holbø, 1984: 95-98
  32. ^ Rødland, 1999: 103
  33. ^ Aspenberg, 2001: 102
  34. ^ Aspenberg, 2001: 115
  35. ^ Aspenberg, 2001: 118
  36. ^ Aspenberg, 2001: 122
  37. ^ Aspenberg, 2001: 188
  38. ^ Norsk Jernbaneklubb, 1994
  39. ^ Holøs, 1984: 101-02
  40. ^ Rødland, 1999: 98-102
  41. ^ Jernbaneverket. Hønefoss stasjon (Norwegian). Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  42. ^ Rødland, 1999: 15-34
  43. ^ Rødland, 1999: 15-34
  44. ^ Jernbaneverket. Finse stasjon (Norwegian). Retrieved on 2008-05-28. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling
  45. ^ Jernbaneverket, 2007: 26
  46. ^ Rødland, 1999: 30
  47. ^ Norges Statsbaner (2008). Norges Statsbaner commonly know as NSB or the Norwegian State Railways is a Norwegian transport company Bergen - Voss - Myrdal. Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  48. ^ Norges Statsbaner (2008). Oslo S-Bergen. Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  49. ^ Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications (2007-01-23). The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Transportation and Communications ( Norwegian: Samferdselsdepartementet) is a Norwegian ministry established Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 393 - Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaims his nine year old son Honorius co-emperor Avtale om utførelse av persontransport med tog (Norwegian).
  50. ^ CargoNet (2008-01-06). CargoNet AS is the primary operator of Freight trains on the Norwegian railway system. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1066 - Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England. 1205 - Philip of Swabia becomes King Produktblad Bergen (Norwegian).
  51. ^ Hallingdølen. Hallingdølen is a Local newspaper published in Ål, Norway and serves Hallingdal. Vil satse milliarder på gods (Norwegian). Retrieved on 2008-06-03. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering
  52. ^ Institute of Transport Economics (2006). Mer gods på jernbane - et spørsmål om kvalitet (Norwegian).
  53. ^ Norsk Jernbaneklubb. The Norwegian Railway Association (Norsk Jernbaneklubb is a member association for people interested in Railways in Norway. Gamle Vossebanen Steam Railway. Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  54. ^ Rallarmuseet. Rallarmuseet (Norwegian). Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  55. ^ Flåm Utvikling. Flåm Utvikling is a Railway company that manages the tourist line Flåmsbana in Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. The Flåm Railway. Retrieved on 2008-05-29. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the
  56. ^ Aspenberg, 2001: 118-21
  57. ^ Jernbaneverket (2008). Konsekvcensutredning Arna - Fløen (Norwegian).
  58. ^ Jernbaneverket. Bergensbanens forkortelse, Ringeriksbanen (Norwegian). Retrieved on 2008-05-28. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling
  59. ^ Jernbaneverket. Rask og effektiv Bergensbane for sju milliarder (Norwegina). Retrieved on 2008-05-28. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling
  60. ^ NRK Sør-Trøndelag (2002-02-28). The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation ( Norwegian: Norsk rikskringkasting AS) which is usually known as the NRK, is the Norwegian See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 202 BC - coronation ceremony of Liu Bang as Emperor Gaozu of Han takes place initiating four centuries of the Han Dynasty 's rule Skjebnevalg for norsk jernbane Choice of fate for Norwegian Railways (Norwegian).
  61. ^ Bergens Tidende (2004-01-16). Bergens Tidende is Norway 's fourth largest newspaper and largest regional newspaper with a circulation of about 87000 copies (2002 numbers. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 27 BC - The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate. Frp: - Steng Bergensbanen (Progress Party: "Close the Bergen Railway") (Norwegain).
  62. ^ Norwegian National Rail Administration (2008-05-13). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Highspeed -lines: Further steps should be taken.
  63. ^ Høyhastighetsringen. Høyhastighetsringen (Norwegian). Retrieved on 2008-05-28. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling
  64. ^ Norsk Bane. Norsk Bane is a Norwegian limited company that is working on plans to build a High-speed railway throughout large portions of Norway Haukelibanen (Norwegian). Retrieved on 2008-05-28. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling

References

External links

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