Trafikverkets generaldirektör Lena Erixon och statsminister Stefan Löfven (S) gjorde tummen upp efter att det första spadtaget för den inledande sträckan av Norrbotniabanan tagits. Sträckan är mellan Umeå och Dåva.
In order to speed up the projects, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) believes that in some cases loan financing is the best solution.
In the case of the Norrbothnia line, it is Trafikverket's view that there is an urgent need for speeding up the construction of the entire line. This will only be possible if there is a guarantee of financing and if the current objections are dealt with promptly. In the first instance, the construction of the line must be brought forward with the help of loans.
The Norrbothnia line could be expedited so that construction on the Dåva-Skellefteå line could begin in 2024 and be completed in 2032, instead of 2035 as previously stated. The Skellefteå-Luleå section could start construction in 2028 and be completed in 2036 instead of 2040.
The E4 bypass in Skellefteå can also be brought forward, according to Trafikverket.
Construction could be brought forward by one or possibly two years compared to the existing plan. In this case, construction could start in 2028 and the relocated E4 would be completed in 2031 or 2032.