Transport Administration on High Alert Ahead of Snow Chaos

Yellow and orange weather warnings have been issued for snowfall on Monday and Tuesday for large parts of the country – at the same time, biting cold is expected in the northernmost regions.

It will put things to the test when we've passed minus 30, then it's tough on everything made of metal, says Bengt Olsson.

SJ has cancelled several departures in upper Norrland on Sunday and Monday, and all trains between Gothenburg and Oslo will be replaced with buses on Monday. But apart from that, they plan, in consultation with the Transport Administration, to run their trains as usual, writes Expressen.

What we're doing is informing passengers that if they want to rebook or cancel their trip, they can do so regardless of what type of ticket they have, says Leila Fogelholm at SJ's press department to the newspaper.

Snowplows Discussed

The Transport Administration has extra high preparedness in areas where orange warnings have been issued for snowfall. This applies to northern Gävleborg, parts of Västernorrland, parts of southwestern Jämtland, Dalsland, and southwestern and northwestern Svealand.

In some places, up to three decimeters of snow are expected. The Transport Administration is therefore working with county administrative boards, municipalities, police, and rescue services, and discussing, among other things, where snowplows may need to be placed.

Late on Saturday afternoon, the authority went up to a so-called national crisis level, says Bengt Olsson.

We have also had a meeting with MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency) and even at the government level to describe what we're doing, so that everyone is on the same page about what may be needed.

Dialogue with Harbors

The Transport Administration is also in dialogue with harbors on the west and south coasts about informing European trucks arriving about what to expect in the next 24 hours.

It's about what's required of trucks to be able to drive on Swedish roads, he says, highlighting, among other things, the requirement for winter tires.

Heavy-duty tow trucks are also being placed at strategic locations along the roads.

It's to be able to pull up trucks and other heavy vehicles, which has been the main reason why traffic has come to a standstill previously.

Railway Sections Closed

Certain exposed railway sections will be closed – a decision has already been made to close the Kinnekullebanan from midnight and at least one day ahead.

Preparations are also being made to be able to set the track switches to a straight position – i.e., the train cannot change tracks – and therefore, some trains may be cancelled when fewer trains can fit on the tracks.

MSB initiated a meeting with affected actors on Sunday.

All authorities and actors have prepared themselves and are ready to handle any consequences that these weather warnings may cause, says press spokesperson Marcus Årskog.