Sweden completes longest rail link
The Hallandsås tunnel

Test runs will begin this week in the 8.7km Hallandsås tunnel, Sweden's longest railway tunnel.
Construction of the $1.25 billion twin-bore tunnel between Bastad and Förslöv originally started as long ago as 1992 but was suspended in 1997 due to environmental concerns.
Tunnelling eventually resumed in 2005 and the final concrete segment was installed in September 2013. The installation of signalling, electrification, and telecommunications equipment was completed in the summer.
The tunnel is a key element in upgrading Sweden's West Coast Line between Gothenburg and Malmö, replacing a steeply-graded single-track section on the line which is now 85% double-track. The tunnel will allow the number of trains to be increased from 4 to 24 per hour.
The tunnel is scheduled to open on December 13.
Sep 30, 2015