Sweco has won a major contract for the new double track high-speed railway that will run between Gothenburg and Borås. The client is the Swedish Transport Administration and the assignment is worth approximately SEK 50 million.

“Being entrusted with the design of Sweden’s first high-speed railway is confirmation of Sweco’s leading position in railway technology. For Western Sweden, the result will be that travel time between the region’s two largest cities will be cut in half,” says Jan Thulin, CEO of Sweco Rail.

Under the contract, Sweco will plan and design approximately 26 kilometres of the 60-kilometre-long double track railway that will run between Gothenburg and Borås. A new underground station at Landvetter airport is also to be designed on the section. The new railway is a link in a new planned main line between Stockholm and Gothenburg that will bring the country’s two largest cities closer together by reducing inter-city travel time by a total of one hour.

”There are several challenges to take into account from a technical perspective. With speeds of up to 320 kilometres an hour, noise and vibration issues will need to be managed in the best way. Due to the hilly terrain, the section will include many tunnels and bridges. We will also have a strong focus on creating a solution that has minimal impact on people, the environment and the landscape,” says Jan Thulin.

Sweco’s work will begin in December and continue through the end of 2016. Commencement of construction for the railway is scheduled for 2020.