Trains will soon be running through the Varberg Tunnel
It started with a few sporadic equipment rentals; seven years later, we’ve been providing equipment and service on a daily basis to Implenia and the major railway project: the Varberg Tunnel. Back then: the largest project we’d ever supported, with a construction value of 3.5 billion. Now: together, we made it happen, and by summer, the trains will be running.
It’s pitch dark one evening in January. Implenia is set to pour 40 cubic meters, and the power station goes down. If we don’t sort out the heat and lighting right away, the concrete will be ruined. So it’s important to get out there quickly.
– There are plenty of stories from the project where things “went wrong.” It takes 8 minutes to get from the depot to the site, and we’ve always had a handful of employees on site. As the ones responsible for all temporary power and servicing of all the machines, we’ve had to make a few trips back and forth, says Lars Elvingsson, installation manager at Renta Varberg.
Nine kilometers of double track through downtown Varberg
On behalf of the Swedish Transport Administration, Implenia has expanded the West Coast Line with double tracks and a tunnel under downtown Varberg. The project includes approximately nine kilometers of double tracks, grade-separated crossings, new bridges, and a new freight yard. It is one of the largest projects in Varberg’s history—and one that has presented its share of challenges.
“With so many people involved, it has of course been difficult to provide the right person with the right information—at the right time. And since machinery breaking down or malfunctioning is just part of construction, Rentas’s service—day and night—has been indispensable,” says Lilly Bengtsson, production manager at Implenia.
Together with Bygg-Varberg, anything became possible
As a depot, we’re a local business, and we work for and with our builders. You can see that here. We’ve enlisted the help of several different construction companies in Varberg; together, we’ve provided all the temporary electrical power, set up 240 job site trailers, and handled all the traffic barriers.
– Flexibility. That’s really the key word for projects like these. Plus, the fact that we have materials from 12 depots within a day’s reach makes us ideally suited for projects of this magnitude. It’s also really great to be involved in training Implenia’s staff and all subcontractors on how to get the most out of the rented equipment. We’ve also worked closely with the tunnel workers to provide them with the right equipment and the right conditions suited for a tunnel, where ventilation and space are limited,” summarizes Christofer Liljegren, site manager at Renta Varberg.
The tunnel will be operational in the summer of 2025
The project is now entering its final phase, during which escalators, platforms, and elevators are being installed. At the same time, the removal of all machinery, construction trailers, and temporary electrical systems is underway. Implenia also believes that the schedule will most likely be met and looks forward to seeing trains running on the new tracks in the summer of 2025.
“It’s been seven exciting years, and the grand opening will be a grand finale that we’re looking forward to. But first, we need to tie up the loose ends and complete the project,” concludes Lilly Bengtsson.
