A decision to build a tunnel for rail traffic through Varberg was already taken in the late 1990s. But protests, rules and other priorities have repeatedly pushed the project forward. In 2009, the cost of the tunnel construction was estimated at SEK 2.9 billion. Ten years later, the Swedish Transport Administration's total figure for the project is SEK 4.8 billion.
Should enable faster commutingCan it be even more expensive?
- No, when we signed the last supplementary agreement, we were very clear that this is the limit for the taxpayers in Varberg, says Ann-Charlotte Stenkil (M), chair of the municipal council.
The tunnel will enable faster commuting and freight transport on the Varberg-Hamra route. Nine kilometers that will now get double track and scheduled to be completed by 2024.
Glöggmingel the starting shotThursday was the official start of the tunnel. It celebrated the Swedish Transport Administration and the co-financiers by bidding for mulled wine in Varberg.
Work on the tunnel will leave its mark on the city for several years, with traffic disruptions as a result.
- It is about pedestrians, cyclists and commuters with cars. You will notice explosions, but maybe not as much as you think, says Mathias Wärja, project manager at the Swedish Transport Administration.