Vestfold Line double track Nykirke–Barkåker nears completion in late 2026

Bane NOR is building a new 13.6 km double track on the Vestfold Line between Nykirke (south of Holmestrand) and Barkåker (north of Tønsberg), including a new station at Skoppum, a train parking facility at Barkåker, and an upgrade of Tønsberg station. Once complete, four trains per hour will be possible between Tønsberg and Oslo; tunnelling, concrete and track work were largely finished by 2024, with remaining work continuing into 2026. The original 2019 cost framework was about NOK 7.6 billion, with cost increases reported since; commissioning is planned for late 2026. Update (30 Oct 2026): According to LOK Report the Nykirke–Barkåker section opens on 22 Nov 2026; the old line's last operating day was 11 Oct, buses replace trains between Drammen and Stokke until 21 Nov, Skoppum station has been permanently closed since 12 Oct and the new Horten station is served. The step up to four trains an hour between Oslo and Tønsberg is planned from December 2027 at the earliest (LOK Report).