- We will invite you to a conversation with the Norrköping residents about the three alternatives that exist when it comes to drawing the railway through Norrköping, says Lars Stjernkvist (S), chairman of the municipal council.

At today's meeting of the municipal council, the decision is made to initiate the work that will lead to a single proposal.

The railway can end up one floor

The three alternatives, presented today, move all of the railway station's location north, but then the similarities end.

Option one involves placing the railroad tracks and platforms above the current street level. During the trains everything from bikes to trams will be able to walk. The idea is that Drottninggatan will be extended north so that Butängen is connected to central Norrköping, for example with the help of a new tram line. Today's industrial area on Butängen is disappearing and the land can be used to grow urban development.

Option two allows the railroad to go on street level, just like today. Bridges are being built so that road users can cross the railway. The same goes for the new tram line north. Above the railway tracks, a terminal is being built where bus and tram passengers can get down to the trains.

Option three is similar to option two, but has fewer opportunities to cross the railroad. The tram tracks will not be able to go north but will, as today, turn off in front of the station building.

Hard to put a price tag

The cost of the various alternatives is difficult to calculate precisely. In addition, there are different ways to calculate. The officials at Norrköping Municipality have looked at how much the cost would be if the sum is distributed annually until 2130. This is to allow the cost to be spread over an estimated service life at the station. Today's station was ready in 1866.

Alternative one, with a raised track, would with this way of counting end up at SEK 50 million per year. Option two would be more expensive with SEK 75 million per year. Option three, with fewer opportunities for road users to cross the railway, would cost SEK 40 million per year.

Another way to calculate is to estimate the total cost. Option one would then cost SEK 5.3 billion, alternative two 7.9 billion and alternative three 4.3 billion.

Notice is to be submitted in December

During the autumn, the municipality will hold consultations with the public to get what the Norrköping residents think. In December, the municipality must notify the Swedish Transport Administration of the proposal for which Norrköping has decided.

Today's railway station will remain, but used for something else. One suggestion is to rebuild it into a market hall.