The Swedish ministry of infrastructure decided to double the planned investments for the Hässleholm-Lund section of the Southern Main Line, which will provide access to the future Fehmarnbelt Tunnel. The funds allocated for the next 12 years will go from 3.3 billion Swedish crowns (302 million euros) to 6.6 billion Swedish crowns (604 million euros) over the next 12 years.
“As Europe gets closer through the new Fehmarnbelt link, which is expected to open for train traffic in 2034, Sweden must increase the pace”, the Swedish Minister Andreas Carlson said on LinkedIn. By increasing the available funds for the Hässleholm-Lund line, works can be “prioritised and accelerated”, Carlson claimed.
The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel
The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will be a rail and road underwater and will connect the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland, providing a vital link along the Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor. The 88 components of the 18-kilometre tunnel are currently being submerged with the use of special vessels. The total estimated cost of the tunnel is now around 7,5 billion euros, almost 50% higher than initial expectations.
