[3/6/2003 4]
Governmental approval starts a new phase for the Citytunnel project
Governmental approval starts a new phase for the Citytunnel project
The Citytunnel project takes an important step closer to construction. The Swedish government gave its approval for the project after deciding the construction is permissable.
- This is a great decision and a milestone in the Citytunnel projects history, said Örjan Larsson, Manager of the Citytunnel project.
- The governmental decision clears the way for a new transportation infrastructure that will benefit all of Sweden. The Citytunneln takes advantage of the Öresund connection and brings together two expanding regions which will lead to better integration, more work opportunities and further growth.
The government's decision of permissibly means the Citytunnel project is starting a new phase with processes for tenders and choosing contractors. The first contract to be awarded is the biggest in the project, the construction of the tunnels between Malmö Central Station and Holma, and the underground cavity for the Triangeln Station.
Inquiry documentation will be sent tomorrow to qualified contractors and later this year a contract will be awarded for Malmö Central Station Lower, the underground addition to Malmös Central Station.
Today's decision also means that the railway plans, which describe the projects plans and property needs in detail, can be decided and made available so that the general public can comment on the results. The construction will start in 2004 after the plan is finalised and all of the permits have been granted.
The decision of permissibility marks the start of the Environmental Court's examination of the project, which includes noise, vibrations, groundwater reduction and discharges. The Environmental Court will finalise the detailed conditions for the construction that the government has approved. Hearings are planned for the autumn.
- Of course there is a lot of work to be done before we can start digging but the project is entering a concrete and exciting phase, said Örjan Larsson, project manager.
The Citytunnel project is planned to be finished in 2009. The cost of the project is estimated at 8.8 BSEK according to monetary value in 2001.