That’s how Sykkylven has become a technology hub
Annette Bildøy | 5. June 2025
Trafsys is continuing its investment in Sykkylven and has recently moved into new and modern premises in Næringsfabrikken. Led by project manager Stein Egil Blakstad and supported by a small but dedicated team, we have created an environment for development, testing, and collaboration. Here is the story of how a small village in the heart of the Sunnmørsalpene is becoming an important hub for tunnel technology and innovation.
The tunnel industry may not be the most visible technology arena, but it certainly should be. Few fields combine safety, precision, and innovation to the same extent. At the center of it all is project manager Stein Egil Blakstad, a driving force and idea generator who pushes development forward in demanding transport projects, while also showing genuine dedication to the people he works with and the local community. For Stein Egil, contributing to the development of Sykkylven is a priority, and for Trafsys, this marks an important step toward strengthening its presence in the Møre region.
– There’s a lot people don’t know about tunnel technology, he says. -We’re talking about advanced systems like monitoring, emergency communication, lighting, ventilation, and traffic control, all of which need to function seamlessly. Even the smallest deviations are detected and reported to the Road Traffic Management Center, so issues can be corrected immediately.
From Idea to Solution: Innovation with Impact
At Trafsys, the path from idea to finished solution is a short one. The products Evacsound and Trafsense have been developed in close collaboration with customers who demand the highest standards of safety and functionality.
Evacsound was developed through an innovation partnership with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) and our sister company Norphonic, following the Accident Investigation Board’s report on the Gudvanga Tunnel fire in 2016. The solution automatically detects the location of the fire and provides loud, directional, and intelligible audio to guide people toward the safest exit from the tunnel. It can be activated both automatically and manually, and the sound is designed to be clear regardless of language. The first installation was completed in the Flekkerøy Tunnel in 2022.
– Our customers often want smarter solutions than what’s already available. That gives us room to be both creative and practical,” says Stein Egil. “When the solutions are put into use, we see that our development work truly delivers value.”
Trafsense is another example. It’s a detection system that isn’t affected by light or dust, unlike traditional camera-based systems. The technology captures vibrations and uses them to extract valuable information for detecting incidents inside the tunnel.
Collaboration, Efficiency, and Well-being
The new facilities allow for full-scale testing of emergency communication systems, barriers, signs, and other equipment. At the same time, they foster an environment where challenges are solved quickly, often over a cup of coffee in the shared common area.
– We are three people with different roles who complement each other well. This allows us to work efficiently on specific challenges. We also talk about casual matters, which helps create a healthy and positive work environment. The others often talk about hunting and fishing, I probably have a bit to learn there,” Stein Egil smiles.
Kristin Eldholm Sandal, who works from Volda, is also part of the team. She brings valuable expertise and works closely with Stein Egil. Kristin is the project manager for the first local tunnel delivery in the county and has led the work on the control system for the new snow avalanche warning system at Grandefonna in Geiranger.
– We support each other and take responsibility wherever it’s needed. That’s an integral part of our culture, says Stein Egil.
We support each other and take responsibility wherever it’s needed. That’s an integral part of our culture, says Stein Egil. Stein Egil Blakstad, Project Manager in Trafsys
Looking Ahead
Stein Egil has high aspirations for the new testing environment in Sykkylven. Even today, we deliver solutions to some of the country’s most complex transport projects. The goal is to further develop the testing environment so that we can continue to be a reliable and innovative supplier for major national projects in the future
To those curious about the opportunities in Sykkylven, he has a simple message:
– Pop by and visit us at Næringsfabrikken for a cup of coffee. There’s always room for the right people.
In closing, he extends his thanks to Øyvind Grøvlen Aure and Odd Arve Mork for their support in the development and progress of the transition process, and to Næringsfabrikken in Sykkylven for championing the establishment in the region.
