Gothenburg and regional partners to work together on sustainable accessibility

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The Västra Götaland region, Öckerö municipality, the city of Gothenburg, and the Swedish Transport Administration have launched an important collaboration. The parties commit to work together beyond 2040 to provide sustainable accessibility in the area between Öckerö and Gothenburg by steady development, it was stated on the website of Öckerö municipality.

The agreement is premised on the parties combining forces over the next 10 years to create a clear and durable transition to more climate-smart travel habits so that the accessibility can at least be maintained at today’s levels. The agreement is the result of the long dialogue and research related to the road 155 between Torslanda (Amhult) and Öckerö, as well as ferry lines between Hönö and Björköleden, and Öckerö municipality.

Mayor of Gothenburg Axel Josefson stated: ‘’It is good that we have reached a broad political agreement between several parties that will allow the issue to be resolved in a responsible manner. In addition, with the possibility of participation and influence of the residents.’’

The parties agreed to jointly monitor and assess the evolution of traffic conditions and travel habits along the route over time. Furthermore, they also agreed to conduct preparatory studies before making a long-term decision to ensure that the route is equipped to handle any major capacity-increasing measures that may be required beyond 2040.

Jörgen Einarsson, regional director of Swedish Transport Administration Region West, stated: ‘’The Swedish Transport Administration has pointed out traffic safety and capacity problems on roads and ferries for a long time. It is good that we have now, after a thorough investigation and in good dialogue, agreed on a common direction forward, in the short and long term.’’

The ambition is to have the agreement ratified by the municipal councils in both municipalities by the summer of 2022. (photo credit: Freepik)