The construction of the 1.6km Ersmark tunnel, the first tunnel of the Norrbothnia/North Bothnia Line, is progressing according to plan and the construction between Fäboberget and Ersmarksberget has reached more than halfway. Now excavation is entering a more challenging section, where the rock conditions become more complex. Since the tunnel is driven from both directions, it is the middle section that remains to be blasted out. This section is also located under an old landfill, and in order to monitor potential water leakage, three measuring ponds have been constructed, where both the volume and the quality of the water are regularly tested. 

Implenia - in parallel with the blasting work that will continue until after the summer - is also carrying out earthworks inside the tunnel, installing pipes for wastewater, drainage water, fire water and sewerage. The goal is for the tunnel to be completed during the summer of 2026. The 870,000 tons of rock removed from the tunnel will mostly be reused in future construction of the Norrbothnia Line north of Umea. 

For further information on the project please click here and se/95 for the tunnelbuilder archive and visit https://www.trafikverket.se and https://bransch.trafikverket.se/. 17/25.