Lund-Arlöv, one of the most innovative rail digitalization projects in Europe, is entering its latest stage
October 27, 2023
Initiated 2017, the Lund Arlöv Four Tracks (Fyrspåret) railway project is carried out by OHLA Group together with Swedish contractor NCC, on behalf of the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). The contract includes four new tracks between the cities Malmö and Lund, an important route in the very south of Sweden. In addition to the 11 km of new railway tracks, the scope of works also cover new four new stations, around 50 technical buildings, platforms, bridges, tunnels, passages, temporary tracks, and car- and bicycle parking for commuters.
To minimize disruptions for commuters, the works have mostly been carried out with ongoing traffic and rail traffic on temporary tracks. The connection of the new tracks in the beginning of October 2023 was the last major shutdown, and milestone for the project. For ten days, around 200 people were working simultaneously in shifts around the clock to make sure that the four new tracks were commissioned safely and on time. This final connection realizes a significant increase in capacity on the route, from 460 to 650 trains per day.
In addition to, and despite, increase the capacity in terms number of trains, the new railway successfully reduces noise disturbances for residents living near the tracks. This is achieved by sound barriers, a 400-meter railway tunnel around Åkarp, and approximately 5 km of the railway being built in lowered grounds.
The most sustainable infrastructure project
Projects’ environmental impact has been a target since Day 1. As pre-analysis showed that the largest CO2 emissions would come from concrete, steel, and fuel, to reduce emissions, alternatives like CEM II – concrete and concrete with fly ash were used, as well as recycled steel and renewable HVO diesel. The old rails from the temporary tracks were removed and used in other projects, other materials, such as switches and catenary poles were reutilised as well. The old railway macadam was recycled and reused in the new tracks and surplus soil was used to improve the seabed in the Port of Malmö. As a result, Fyrspåret project was awarded the @Sweden Green Building Award 2022 for the most sustainable infrastructure project.