A new rail bridge over the Göta Älv River – the South Marieholm Bridge – will open to traffic today. The new double-track bridge will result in a long-awaited expansion of rail capacity to and from the largest port in the Nordic region, Gothenburg Port said in its press release.
The bridge, which runs alongside the existing Marieholm Bridge, is part of the 10 km Port Line – the rail track that links the Port of Gothenburg to the country's main line network. The Port Line carries around 70 freight trains each day. Traffic disruptions can have major repercussions for industry, not only in western Sweden but throughout the whole country.
The importance of the South Marieholm Bridge is reflected in the fact that it was officially opened by Swedish Minister for Infrastructure Anna Johansson.
Before the new double-track line can operate at full capacity, the old bridge needs to be upgraded. Work is due to be completed after the summer.
The new bridge can be both raised and turned and is located 75 m south of the existing Marieholm Bridge.