The Severe Impact of E6 Noise Pollution
Residents of Manglerud in Oslo have reached their breaking point regarding the incessant noise pollution caused by the E6 motorway that runs through their community. Robert Svoren, a long-time resident, voiced the frustrations felt by many, stating, “We have considered moving, but we have lived here since before this hell began. Once you are established, it’s hard to leave.”
Growing Traffic and Its Consequences
When Svoren moved to the area over 30 years ago, the E6 saw about 20,000 vehicles daily. Today, that number has ballooned to a staggering 90,000, drastically changing the quality of life for those living nearby. “We live right by the road and cannot even use one side of our building due to the noise,” Svoren explained, highlighting the daily disruptions they face.
A Long-standing Battle for Change
The residents are not new to this struggle. They have been advocating for a solution since 1992, when local parents first raised concerns about the noise levels affecting children at Høyenhall School. Eili Vigestad Berge, a mother of three and a local representative for the Venstre party, emphasized, “This is a wound in our local environment, and I am incredibly worried for the children growing up here.”
Health Risks Associated with Air Pollution
With the increasing traffic, the issue transcends mere noise. Dag Bjerke, a representative of Bryn Environmental Forum, stressed the health risks posed by air pollution from the heavy traffic. “The pollution is the scariest part; it’s what you cannot see. We have schools and daycare centers nearby, making it an immense burden on families.”
Broken Promises and a Call for Action
Despite years of recommendations and plans, progress has been slow. In 2019, Statens vegvesen introduced a proposal for a 15-kilometer long tunnel project, which was estimated to cost around 17.5 billion NOK. However, the plans were halted when the Miljøpartiet de Grønne and Arbeiderpartiet led the city council, leaving residents feeling betrayed.
Hope for the Future
While residents were hopeful for progress when Høyre and Venstre promised to advance the tunnel project, those expectations were dashed. Svoren, now leading the activist group “Manglerudtunnelen nå,” voiced his disappointment: “We are extremely disappointed with the Arbeiderpartiet for delaying the matter.”
Calls for Political Engagement
Residents expect more engagement from national leaders, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who has yet to visit the area. Svoren expressed a desire for him to experience firsthand the impact of the noise and pollution, stating, “It would take him only 13 minutes by train to see our daily struggle.”
Alternative Solutions and Community Resilience
In 2022, Obos proposed a solution that includes covering parts of the E6 with a 400-meter structure, potentially providing space for 700 new homes while reducing noise and pollution. However, residents demand a more expansive plan to effectively address their concerns. “We are not against a cover, but it must extend over a larger area. The current proposal does not meet the necessary requirements,” Svoren argued.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, local parents like Berge remain optimistic. “By reducing both traffic and noise, we can also optimize land use. We have established public transport systems already, which makes this an ideal location for future development.”
As these neighbors continue their fight for a quieter, healthier living environment, they demonstrate resilience and determination that has persisted for over three decades. Their dream of a tunnel solution remains alive as they advocate for change in the face of overwhelming adversity.
