A legal battle is preventing necessary safety measures on Route 62 in Klarälvsdalen, causing concern among local residents. Despite the road's poor condition and the risk of collapse, efforts to secure it are stalled due to environmental regulations protecting the Natura 2000 area. The Swedish Transport Administration awaits a decision from the Supreme Court, while residents and officials call for government intervention.
Legal Dispute Halts Critical Road Safety Measures in Klarälvsdalen
Legal Dispute Halts Critical Road Safety Measures in Klarälvsdalen
A legal dispute is preventing actions to secure Route 62 in Klarälvsdalen, worrying residents in the area.
Madelene Persson Çiçek, 45, lives with her family in Sysslebäck, right next to Route 62. She describes the location as one of the most beautiful she knows, but increasingly difficult to live in.
"The road is crucial for us, and it's in poor condition," she says.
She drives a lot for work and remembers when parts of the road collapsed in the 90s. The concern has lingered since then.
"I never feel completely safe when I drive. If something happens and the road is blocked, help could be two hours away."
Frustration is high among residents along the river, according to Madelene Persson Çiçek.
"The river is very important to us who live here. But the road is a fundamental safety issue," she says.
The Swedish Transport Administration has long recognized the risks. Project manager Kenth Henriksson notes that the problems with the road have existed for over ten years.
"The slopes are unstable, and sooner or later the road risks disappearing," he says.
However, efforts to secure the stretch have repeatedly stalled in a legal tug-of-war. As early as 2018, permission was sought to build erosion protection, but the County Administrative Board appealed, citing the risk of "cumulative effects."
Klarälven is a Natura 2000 area where the river's natural meandering movement is protected. This has become the major sticking point.
Last fall, the process was halted in the Land and Environment Court. The Swedish Transport Administration's appeal was rejected, and now the authority awaits a decision from the Supreme Court.
"It's a Catch-22. We see the risk of collapse here and now, but we are not allowed to do anything," says Kenth Henriksson.
In an interview with SVT, his words about "the road could collapse at any time" were highlighted.
"I don't want to spread panic. But that something will happen sooner or later, we are sure of," he says.
A Matter for the Government
At the County Administrative Board in Värmland, they believe the responsibility now lies at a higher level. Annika Nilsson, head of the Environmental Department, emphasizes that the process must follow legislation.
"The legislation is clear. Such measures (erosion protection, ed. note) can only be carried out if the government grants its permission. And the matter has not been sent there yet, as it is still in court," she says.
She disagrees with the notion that the authority is acting as a brake.
"We know the road is important, but the process must go through the government."