Construction firm demands billions from Swedish Transport Agency over Västlänken rail project

Swedish construction firm NCC is escalating its legal battle with Trafikverket (the Swedish Transport Administration) over the Västlänken rail project, demanding 2.2 billion SEK in compensation. NCC alleges that Trafikverket rushed into agreements due to political pressure and inadequate preliminary documentation, leading to significant delays and cost overruns.

The dispute specifically concerns the Korsvägen section of the Västlänken tunnel, a roughly three-kilometer stretch. Trafikverket previously sued the NCC-led consortium WLC for approximately 1.35 billion SEK, citing "systematic deficiencies and inaccuracies" and a loss of trust. However, WLC/NCC has now submitted a detailed counterclaim, placing significant emphasis on testimony from a separate, earlier court case.

This earlier case, running from 2017 to 2021, involved the consulting firm ÅF (now Afry) suing Trafikverket for non-payment related to the development of the Västlänken's tender documentation. ÅF was tasked with gathering crucial information on ground conditions, clay layers, and water flows, essential for contractors to submit accurate bids.

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systematic deficiencies and inaccuracies

NCC's counterclaim suggests that Trafikverket felt pressured during this period because a new political party, "Stoppa Västlänken" (Stop the Västlänken), had formed in Gothenburg with the aim of halting the project. The "first groundbreaking" for Västlänken occurred just a quarter before the 2018 municipal election, a timing NCC implies was influenced by political considerations rather than thorough planning.

Trafikverket has refuted NCC's claims, labeling them as "incorrect assertions." The ongoing legal battle highlights the complex challenges and disputes surrounding major infrastructure projects, involving substantial financial stakes and intricate contractual disagreements.

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in vart fall 2,2 miljarder kronor