Starting points for the study
In Petteri Orpo's Government Programme, it was decided to prepare a study on the proposed Kvarken fixed connection (between Vaasa and Umeå). At the request of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency is responsible for preparing the feasibility study. The intention is to complete the study in spring 2025.
The planning will be based on previous studies on the Kvarken fixed connection.
Objectives of the plan
The aim of pre-planning is to find answers to questions such as:
- Why is the Kvarken fixed connection needed?
- What would be the impact of the Kvarken fixed connection?
- Is there a demand for both a rail and road connection?
- How much demand would there be for transport (passenger and freight)?
- Technical design, method of implementation, cost estimate of the fixed connection?
- Would the system be best constructed as an embankment, bridge, tunnel or a combination of these?
- Options for the location of the system, influenced by factors such as constructability, soil, sea depth, environmental impact and winter shipping conditions.
- Fixed connection and synergies for the future energy system?
- Project risks from different perspectives? For example, security of supply, construction and winter shipping.
- The Swedish Transport Administration and regional authorities will also be involved in the preparation of the plan.
- Once the feasibility study is complete, a roadmap, a proposed implementation path, will be drawn up describing the subsequent planning needs and the administrative and permit processes required for the project.
- A separate study will be carried out by the Kvarken Council on the financial arrangements for the implementation of the project.
Planning area
The planning area covers the route between Vaasa and Umeå across Kvarken.
Contents of the plan
The preliminary plan includes the following sub-studies:
- Needs assessment
- Feasibility study
- Project roadmap
- Summary and conclusions and proposals for the way forward
Project progress and schedule
Pre-planning has started in early 2024 by drawing up a work programme. The needs assessment and feasibility study were put out to tender, and WSP Finland was selected to carry them out. The reports are being prepared by a multidisciplinary team of experts from both Finland and Sweden. The feasibility will be completed in spring 2025.
News about planning, August, September and October 2024
- Acquisition and analysis of source data
- Preparation of transport demand models
- Preparation of comparative options
- Creation and comparison of alternative Fixed Connections
- Workshop with stakeholders
- Analysis of energy transition synergy benefits