Here are the routes that the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) investigated 10-15 years ago.
The areas to the east of the current E4 route underwent a similar analysis more than ten years ago. At that time, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) concluded that the relocated E4 should be placed in the Östra Leden corridor. The road study was completed in 2012.
However, so much has changed in Skellefteå with increased traffic and population growth that the work will begin anew.
The first step is to determine whether the construction will have a significant impact on the environment. Länsstyrelsen Västerbotten will make this determination, and it is expected that they will come to the conclusion that there will be environmental impact. If this is the case, Trafikverket will have to carry out a specific environmental impact assessment, which will be carried out in parallel with other investigations.
Ahead of Länsstyrelsen 's decision, an initial consultation is now underway for the public and other authorities to provide input. This consultation will continue until November 17 and will focus on environmental issues.
Trafikverket is well aware that there will be an environmental impact no matter which route is chosen. The crossing of the Skellefteå river could disturb wildlife and outdoor activities, as well as commercial fishing.
Innervik also has a cultural landscape that is considered valuable to preserve.
In Solbacken there is the Degermyran landfill, where hazardous waste is stored and which will remain there indefinitely. The landfill could be affected if the road is moved to an area behind Degermyran, and in the worst case it would have to be moved and the land remediated.
Regardless of where the road is located, there will be environmental impacts for people living in the area. Primarily noise, but also changes to the landscape and the road becoming a barrier.
The likelihood of having to buy and demolish houses, outbuildings, and possibly industrial buildings, is high regardless of where the road is built, as indicated in the consultation document.
The relocated E4 will be a dual carriageway with a central reservation. In areas where high traffic volumes are expected, there are plans for two lanes in each direction; otherwise, it will be a 1+2-lane configuration.
Östra Leden, which has been an option for relocating the E4.
Trafikverket hopes to have a localization study ready for presentation in the autumn/winter of 2024, which will lead to further consultations. Ultimately, the work will lead to a final road plan.
According to the current schedule, construction can begin in 2029 and continue until the end of 2033.
It is hoped that the new road will be open to traffic in just over a decade.
Skellefteå municipality has offered to provide loans to speed up the studies.