myGeobrugg
Initial situation
Following a landslide at Verma station on 19 July 2025, the Rauma railway line (Raumabanen) between Dombås and Åndalsnes was destroyed. The landslide struck the tracks at two locations, suspending train services between Dombås and Åndalsnes.
The landslide was triggered by torrential rain above the tree line beneath Mount Bjørnhammeren. The landslide debris struck both the upper and lower sections of the railway line at Verma station, as well as the E136. The Romsdal Railway runs through challenging terrain in the Romsdalen valley. At Verma station, a spiral-shaped tunnel is used to negotiate the difference in altitude. This means that the train passes through the same area twice – once on its way into the tunnel and once on its way out. As a result, the line was affected by the same landslide in two places. Securing and reconstructing the area is a highly complex project involving disciplines such as geology, geotechnical engineering, hydrology and railway infrastructure.
Description
To protect the two railway lines and the road beneath them, the first step was to install a reinforced rockfall barrier (Geobrugg RXE-5000) directly above the railway lines. The second step was to install a UX180-H6 barrier above this, adapted to the on-site conditions. The repair works were taking place in a very challenging, steep area prone to landslides.
The customized barrier is designed to withstand multiple natural hazards. Following the natural hazard assessment, it was determined that rockfalls, debris flows and slush flows were to be expected at the site. The barrier was designed to withstand all these impacts. To prevent debris and slush from flowing around the barrier, it was constructed with several changes in direction towards the mountain. The aim was to keep the top edge of the barrier at a consistent height, to create a basin, and, in the event of overflow, to channel it towards the center
Country/Region
Norway
Customer
Engineering
Contractor
Protected object
Railway, Touristic infrastructure, Infrastructure
Corrosion protection
GEOBRUGG SUPERCOATING
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