SWEDEN’s infrastructure manager Trafikverket has awarded the first two construction contracts for its SKr 110.3bn ($US 12.1bn) Eastern Link project to build a 160km high-speed line from Järna, southwest of Stockholm, via Norrköping to Linköping.
The two turnkey contracts cover about 60km between Järna and Skavsta and have been awarded to Hochtief Infrastructure, Germany, for the Vagnhärad section, and to Bouygues Travaux Publics, France, for the Skavsta section. Construction is expected to be completed in 2035.
Trafikverket says the contracts have been awarded so that the suppliers are involved at an early stage to contribute expertise and experience, with the aim of strengthening implementation and achieving better results.
The Eastern Link will comprise a double-track railway with a maximum speed of 250km/h. Around 25% of the new line will be built on viaducts or in tunnels. The new line will parallel the northern section of the Stockholm - Malmö main line and will help to relieve congestion and reduce journey times.
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