Serious shortcomings in the investigation into the Norrbothnia Line construction – the dialogue must continue

Region Norrbotten and Norrbotten Municipalities believe that an eastern approach via Luleå Airport is the best long-term solution for the Norrbotten Line and Norrbotten's development. The investigation, which has led the Swedish Transport Administration to want to see a western route, has several serious shortcomings. 

In its response to the consultation, the Norrbotten Region therefore urges the Swedish Transport Administration to continue the dialogue and correct the shortcomings in the investigation.

- Only then can we get a fair assessment of which route is best when looking at the whole picture. The decision will affect Norrbotten for many generations – it must be right. We now fear that the Swedish Transport Administration is moving forward with the western route based on inadequate information, says Anders Öberg, chairman of the regional board.

Bag solution

There are two alternatives for the Norrbothnia Line's approach to Luleå. One is the western corridor that runs parallel to E4 and via Notviken towards Luleå city centre. This means a dead-end solution - that travellers will not be able to continue and will have to go back the same way they came to leave Luleå.

The second is the eastern corridor that connects via Luleå Airport and further across Svartösundet towards Luleå C. The eastern alternative involves through traffic and connects trains and flights. This connection is very valuable. But the Swedish Transport Administration believes that the western route is simpler. The eastern requires an openable bridge for shipping's need for turning surfaces during severe ice winters.

- "Region Norrbotten agrees with the Swedish Transport Administration that shipping must not be jeopardized. However, we believe that there are solutions that allow rail and maritime traffic to coexist," says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director.

The Norrbotten Municipalities have submitted a statement to the Swedish Transport Administration through the Growth Committee. Region Norrbotten and the Norrbotten Municipalities agree on the shortcomings of the investigation.

The views in brief

• The investigation needs to be supplemented with alternatives where the icebreakers do not have a home berth inside the bridge. This affects both the design of the bridge and how often it must be opened. If a new berth is to be built, this should not be included in the calculation for the Norrbothnia Line.
• It is not reasonable that the Swedish Transport Administration wants to schedule disruptions for January-April every year.
• The basis is unclear when it comes to the financial risks for Luleå C and Malmbangården.
• The investigation lacks reasoning on how the consequences of the opening bridge on train traffic and shipping can be reduced and managed together with the actors involved.
• The investigation needs to develop the analysis of Luleå Airport's potential as a hub between different modes of transport. The EU has requirements for air and rail integration, where Luleå is an important transport hub.

Region Norrbotten and Norrbotten Municipalities believe that the great socio-economic benefit justifies the eastern move, even if it is more expensive to begin with.

- It increases accessibility for those of us who live here, companies and visitors. It makes commuting easier and shortens travel times. It would connect both Kiruna and Haparanda with Luleå Airport, and give many Norrbotten residents smoother trips to Sunderby Hospital, says Claes Nordmark, chairman of Norrbotten's Municipalities.

Long-term investment

Connecting different modes of transport is a future-proof and long-term investment to maximize societal benefits. That is why the EU requires that airports and railways within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) are connected to each other. These requirements will soon include Luleå. They can only be met with an eastern alternative.

Overall, the Norrbotten Region and the Norrbotten Municipalities believe that there are still too many ambiguities, uncertainties and even contradictory information to be able to dismiss the eastern alternative at this time. Therefore, the Norrbotten Region and the Norrbotten Municipalities urge the Swedish Transport Administration not to do so until the shortcomings of the investigation have been corrected, and the eastern corridor has been re-positioned against the western one.