Skanska wins Hallandsås contract

The Swedish Rail Administration awarded the US$409M Hallandsås tunnel contract to the Skanska-led consortium Skanska/Vinci HB, on 8 November 2002.

"We are proud to be assigned this trust," Mats Williamson, president of Skanska Sweden, said. "It is proof that we have learned from prior mistakes." Skanska was fined US$300,000 for its part in the 1997 environmental pollution disaster, during the tunnel's previous construction. Work was halted when groundwater was contaminated by sealant used to reduce leakage.

"The level of environmental awareness in today's Skanska is very high and we are well aware of the risks," Williamson continued. "At the same time, we have great respect for the task ahead. Valuable expertise is also being provided through Vinci's participation in the project."

This time, a TBM will be used – a first for Sweden. As a result, the tunnels will be lined and sealed directly behind the machine, to ensure minimal water ingress.

Full story in December's T&TI