The Transport Committee has made a decision

The Transport Committee has made a decision in connection with the processing of the National Transport Plan. From the NTP treatment (June 2024):

7.4.2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GOODS TRANSPORT

The committee refers to the development of Kopstad Goods Terminal in Horten municipality, which will create significantly more jobs in the municipality. The location between the E18 and the Vestfold Railway means that the terminal is of great socio-economic benefit, and provides great opportunities for the transfer of goods en route to the railway. The committee's majority, the members from "Høyre, Fremskritspartiet, Sosialistisk Venstreparti and Venstre", point out that in connection with the development of the new Vestfold railway (Nykirke–Barkåker) a branch will be built with a rail connection to Kopstad Goods Terminal.

For connection to the E18, a new two-lane junction at Helland has been regulated in 2023. The crossing will create a much safer approach to the E18 and better conditions for traffic to/from Holmestrand, in addition to better access to Kopstad Goods Terminal. The majority points out that the zoning plan for the area requires that half the intersection must be completed before development in the terminal area can be carried out. The majority believes that a comprehensive infrastructure for goods must be seen in a regional perspective, and emphasizes that the new goods terminal at Kopstad, and elsewhere in the eastern region, will also be able to relieve the goods terminal at Alnabru.

The committee's members from "Fremskritspartiet and Venstre",- point to the need to establish a new junction solution for Kopstad Goods Terminal at E18. Against this background, these members put forward the following: "The Storting asks the government to prioritize the development of a new junction solution for Kopstad Godsterminal at E18 Vestfold."