Ring 3 (Oslo)

Ring 3 (Oslo). Ring 3 is a major arterial road and part of the Norwegian national road system, forming a semi-circular beltway around the central and northern parts of Oslo, Norway. Designated as Riksvei 150, it stretches approximately 32.6 kilometers from Lysaker in Bærum to the junction with Rv4 and the European route E6 at Hvam in eastern Oslo. The road serves as a critical conduit for regional traffic, connecting numerous suburbs and districts while alleviating pressure on the city center and the more central Ring 2.

Route description

The road begins at a complex interchange with the E18 highway near Lysaker Station in the municipality of Bærum. It proceeds eastward, traversing the northern outskirts of Oslo, passing through or near residential areas like Ullern, Sogn, and Grefsen. Key sections include the Sinsen interchange and the passage through the Grorud Valley. The route offers connections to major radial roads leading into Oslo city centre, such as those serving Storo and Carl Berners plass. It terminates at a major motorway junction with the E6 and Rv4, which continues towards Lillestrøm and the Gardermoen airport region.

History

Planning for a third ring road around Oslo began in the post-war period, with construction occurring in stages from the 1950s through the 1970s. The western section near Lysaker and through Ullernåsen was among the first to be built, facilitating traffic from the growing western suburbs. The completion of the Sinsen interchange in the late 1960s was a significant milestone, linking the road with the then-new Trondheimsveien. Further eastern extensions were completed throughout the 1970s, with the final link to the E6 at Hvam solidifying its role as a key bypass. The road's designation was consolidated into the national road system as Riksvei 150.

Traffic and capacity

Ring 3 is one of the busiest roads in Norway, with annual average daily traffic volumes frequently exceeding 60,000 vehicles on its busiest segments, such as near Sinsen. It functions as a primary alternative to the E18 for east-west travel north of Oslo city centre. Congestion is common during rush hour, particularly at major interchanges like Ulven and at the merge with Ring 2 near Sofienberg. The road's capacity is managed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, which monitors traffic flow and incidents. Despite upgrades, sections like the Grorud Valley segment remain bottlenecks, impacting travel times to areas like Lørenskog.

Interchanges and junctions

From west to east, major interchanges include the junction with the E18 at Lysaker, connecting to Fornebu and Sandvika. The Smestad interchange provides access to Holmenkollen and Røa. Further east, the complex Sinsen interchange links Ring 3 with Ring 2, Trondheimsveien (Rv4), and Finstadsvingen. The Ulven interchange connects to Rv163 towards Bjørkelangen. Other significant junctions serve Grefsen, Storo, and Carl Berners plass, with the terminal interchange at Hvam providing a direct connection to the E6 and Rv4 towards Lillestrøm and Gardermoen.

Future developments

Planned upgrades focus on increasing capacity and improving traffic flow, particularly at the congested Sinsen and Ulven interchanges. Proposals include the potential expansion of the Grorud Valley section and improved access to the Follo Line railway project. Long-term regional transport plans, such as those by Ruter and the Viken County Municipality, consider the role of Ring 3 in relation to proposed new public transport corridors. Environmental concerns and urban development plans for areas like Økern and Løren also influence future road design, with an emphasis on better integrating with Oslo's bicycle and pedestrian network.

Category:Roads in Oslo Category:Norwegian national roads