Dispute erupts over Valdresbanen future between Bane Nor and five municipalities in Norway

A dispute is ongoing between Bane Nor, a Norwegian state-owned railway infrastructure company, and five municipalities regarding the future of the Valdresbanen, a disused railway line. The municipalities want to dismantle parts of the railway to create a regional cycling and hiking path. While Bane Nor had previously agreed to cover the costs related to removing creosote-treated sleepers, it is now imposing conditions that the municipalities find unacceptable.

The Valdresbanen has not seen passenger traffic since 1988 and currently resembles a “ghost railway,” overgrown with weeds, featuring dilapidated tunnels and tracks. The five affected municipalities—Nordre Land, Søndre Land, Etnedal, Nord-Aurdal, and Sør-Aurdal—are frustrated with Bane Nor’s lack of support for their plans. Local leaders have expressed concerns about potential liabilities if they take ownership of the railway before its hazardous materials are removed.

In June, the municipalities presented a pre-project proposal to expedite the removal of the railway in favor of a scenic route, but discord has arisen over funding responsibilities. Bane Nor has been accused of undermining efforts for a reasonable repurposing.

Further complicating matters, environmental and potential legal complications loom. Local mayors worry that assuming ownership may lead to future liabilities related to contaminants, given that numerous creosote-treated sleepers remain along the route.

The municipalities argue they have become victims of ineffective state organization regarding outdated transportation infrastructure. With mounting frustration toward Bane Nor, mayor Ola Tore Dokken suggests elevating the issue to a political level for resolution.