construction of a new double track section of the østfold line past rygge started in 1996. the new section reduced travel time for trains south of rygge by five to seven minutes, and also allowed better regularity on the line. the section is also free of level crossings, having replaced 21 crossings with bridges or tunnels. the station itself was all-new, and included two platforms, sheds, bicycle parking and lighting. during construction there had been found a 3000-year-old bronze ax. the section cost 490 million norwegian krone (nok) and stretches from såstad in rygge to haug in råde. it was completed one year behind schedule after funding was reduced in 1998. on 28 june 2000, minister of transport and communications terje moe gustavsen opened the section and station. the section past the station received gsm-r on 2 january 2007.