Briskeby Line

Briskeby Line
Overview
Native nameBriskebylinjen
StatusOperating
OwnerSporveien
LocaleOslo, Norway
Termini
Service
TypeTramway
SystemOslo Tramway
Services11 
Operator(s)Sporveien Trikken
Rolling stockSL79
History
Opened3 March 1894
Technical
Number of tracksDouble
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Electrification750 V DC overhead line
Operating speed50 km/h (31 mph)

The Briskeby Line (Norwegian: Briskebylinjen) is a line of the Oslo Tramway in Norway. It runs westwards from Jernbanetorget in the city center, passing through the neighborhoods of Briskeby and Uranienborg before reaching its terminus at Majorstuen. The section from Jernbanetorget to Inkognitogata is shared with the Skøyen Line; on this section it connects with the important transport hub Nationatheatret. This part is variously served by route 11, 12 and 13. From the Inkognitogata stop, the line moves through the residential areas around the Royal Palace, in the streets named Riddervolds gate, Briskebyveien, Holtegata and Bogstadveien. The part of the line in Bogstadveien from Majorstuen to Rosenborg is also served by route 19, which operates the Homansbyen Line.

When Kristiania Elektriske Sporvei opened the line on 3 March 1894, it was the first electric tramway in Scandinavia. Originally the line ran through Parkveien instead of Inkognitogata and was mostly single track. The tracks were upgraded to double track in 1898, when the right-of-way was moved to Inkognitogata. The connection to the Ullevål Hageby Line was established in 1912 through Hegdehaugsveien, creating the short branch called the Homansbyen Line. The line was acquired by Oslo Sporveier in 1924. The Briskeby Line is now served by Line 11. The transit agency Ruter has proposed that parts of the route be realigned to run through Skovveien, so that the trams may serve Solli plass.