Lillesand–Flaksvand Line
| Length: | Starts: | Ends: | Status: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 km | Lillesand Station | Flaksvand Station | Abandoned |
The Lillesand–Flaksvand Line was a 17-kilometre long narrow-gauged railway line between Lillesand and Flakksvann in Aust-Agder. It opened in 1896 and was abolished in 1953.
Lillesand Station. Photo: Anders B. Wilse/Norsk Folkemuseum
The Application
In the 1890s it was possible to apply for state subsidy to construct smaller railway lines as long as 50 percent of the costs were covered by local capital. This was not possible for the Lillesand—Flaksvand Line, which was a more expensive project. The heavy timber transport required higher standards, but an 1067 gauge track was sufficient. An inter-municipal cooperation was established with a total share capital of NOK 417,350. An application was sent with a 43 percent state subsidy, and the line was approved by Parliament on 22 June 1891.
The Opening
The Lillesand—Flaksvand Line was opened by Minister of State, Peder Nilsen, on 3 June 1896. 32 wagons were bought as well as the two steam locomotives "No. 1 Lillesand" og "No. 2 Flaksvand". In the peak year 1900, 38 percent of the timber was transported by trains to Lillesand. The transport was reduced significantly the years after, and from 1906 the line was run in deficit. Since the line ran through a less populated area and was not connected to the national railway network, the passenger traffic was never a success. In 1928 the passenger transport was replaced by buses, run by the Lillesand—Flaksvand Line.
The Closing
On 1 July 1953 the railway company wanted to close the line, but it was not decided before 29 Desember the year after. The track and material were sold. The station buildings at the termini are preserved as well as Tveide Station and the waiting shed at Eikeland Halt. The route between Skjærpe and Tveide is today a rail trail, crossing the river Moelva over an eight metre long railway bridge.
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