Port of Gothenburg opens new rail bridge

The new rail bridge over the Göta Älv River in Sweden will increase capacity significantly, boosting Swedish imports and exports, according to Gothenburg Port Authority CEO Magnus Kårestedt.    A new rail bridge over the Göta Älv River in Sweden, referred to as the South Marieholm Bridge, is opening to traffic today, the Port of Gothenburg said.
   The South Marieholm Bridge runs alongside the existing Marieholm Bridge and can be raised and turned. In addition, the new bridge is part of the 10-kilometer port line, which is a rail track that links the Port of Gothenburg to the country’s main line network. Overall, the port line carries approximately 70 freight trains each day.
   “The new South Marieholm Bridge is vitally important for freight transport to the port,” Gothenburg Port Authority CEO Magnus Kårestedt said in a statement. “Capacity will be increased significantly and we can continue the positive, sustainable development process that is already under way with a growing volume of rail-borne freight. It will be a substantial boost to Swedish imports and exports.”
   Meanwhile, work to upgrade the old bridge should be completed after the summer.