The railway bridge over Österdalälven in Oxberg is set to be demolished and replaced, halting all rail traffic between Mora and Blyberg south of Älvdalen for about a year. This poses significant challenges for the local sawmill in Blyberg. Site manager René Wiesmann describes switching to truck transports as a major issue.
Construction of the new railway bridge in Oxberg is expected to last about a year and will significantly impact transport infrastructure in Dalarna. During this time, no train traffic will pass the bridge, isolating the Blyberg sawmill from the rail network. The sawmill, operated by Bergkvist Siljan, relies on efficient transports for its operations.
Site manager René Wiesmann at Bergkvist Siljan expresses concern over the practical consequences. "Replacing train transport with truck transports will be a big problem for us," he tells moratidning.se. This decision stems from plans to modernize the bridge, but it creates immediate obstacles for local businesses dependent on the railway for freight deliveries.
The area around Blyberg, south of Älvdalen and near Mora, is central to the forestry industry in the region. The traffic halt forces companies to replan logistics, with potential increases in costs and environmental impact from more truck traffic. No specific start dates for the demolition are mentioned in reports, but the process is described as necessary to ensure the bridge's long-term functionality.