Sweden has major plans for transport infrastructure investment. The country’s government has announced a €33 billion National Plan for Infrastructure that will run until 2037, with transport playing a major role. The plans have been drawn up by the Ministry for Infrastructure and Housing.
One of the projects that has been given the green light is for the construction of the €1.85 billion Tvärförbindelse Södertörn highway. The 200km highway will run between Kungens Kurva, via Flemingsberg, to Jordbro. The project includes the replacement of the Vårby bridges and widening of the E4/E20 road between Hallunda and Vårby backe in Stockholm County.
The work is needed as Road 259 to the south of Stockholm has a high rate of crashes. The Swedish Transport Administration intends to boost capacity and safety by building a new road, the Södertörn cross-link. The project is to go ahead, despite concerns over the cost, which has increased significantly since the plans were first considered.
Another project will be to upgrade the road between Jönköping and Ulricehamn. This has three lanes at present but will be upgraded so that it features two lanes in either direction, with a central divider. The project is expected to cost €351.5 million. Improvement and maintenance work will be carried out to the road linking Mullsjö and Slättäng.
Funding worth €92.5 million is being provided by the Swedish Government for the Eastern Link project for the ring road around capital Stockholm. Other major transport projects planned include the E45 in Värmland County, the E65 in Skåne and upgrades to the railway between Gävle and Sundsvall.
Around €13 billion will be invested in road projects in the Stockholm area.
