Sweden’s East Link costs rise in Norrköping

As reported by RailwayPro, Sweden’s East Link has become more expensive on the stretch through Norrköping.

Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, said costs have risen. The agency reviewed costs and uncertainty factors. It then updated the investment figure for the city section. The increase is more than EUR 187 million, or SEK 2 billion. That is above the original estimate. The estimate was in the co-financing agreement signed in 2022. The agreement was signed with the municipality of Norrköping.

Cost control for Sweden’s East Link

In response, the agency has proposed a revised project option. Under that option, the railway would run at ground level through the city.

“We share the responsibility for ensuring the implementation of the East Line project and getting the most value for the money invested. Therefore, the planning direction from now on will be a solution with the railway lines placed at ground level,” said Peter Bernström, regional director for the southeast region.

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Also, the co-financing agreement included suspended railway infrastructure on bridges. This was in addition to the basic solution. That option had two stated aims. It was meant to support urban development north of Norrköping’s railway station. It was also meant to create a more efficient transfer point. The transfer point would connect different modes of transport.

A recent analysis showed added requirements for the bridge option. In addition, it said the bridges would need extra ground reinforcement. Other technical solutions would also be needed. Together, those measures would increase costs. The added cost would be more than SEK 1.9 billion, or EUR 187 million.

“Cost control is one of Trafikverket’s most important and priority concerns. In recent years, we have intensified our work on careful cost analysis and evaluation in all investment projects to ensure that public funds are used correctly. This way of working is part of the agency’s consolidated effort,” said Magnus Sjöberg, director of the Ostlänken program.

Norrköping planning and project timeline

Meanwhile, the proposal will now go through a political review process within the municipality of Norrköping. Work completed so far will serve as the basis for future planning. At the same time, the planning period will be extended. Still, the overall duration of the project will not increase. The ground-level option is less complicated to implement.

“It was valuable for the parties to analyze the elevated route alternative in detail. At this point, we believe that the proposed new direction will not delay the timing of trains running through Norrköping,” said Peter Bernström.

Separately, as Trafikverket notes, Sweden’s Eastern Link will run for 160 km between Järna, in the Stockholm region, and Linköping. Linköping is 200 km south of Stockholm. It is also 40 km west of Norrköping.

Ostlänken route, budget and opening date

For example, the project is estimated to cost more than EUR 10 billion, or SEK 110.3 billion.

Construction has already begun on some segments of the route. Meanwhile, other sections are still in the planning phase. In addition, the Eastern Link will open to traffic in 2035.

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