Following a deadly accident on a notorious stretch of road in Värmdö, local authorities are urging the Swedish Transport Administration to enhance safety measures. The incident, involving a collision between an SL bus and a car, has reignited calls for immediate improvements to the hazardous Farstabron bridge.
Värmdö Municipality Demands Action from Swedish Transport Administration After Fatal Accident
Värmdö Municipality Demands Action from Swedish Transport Administration After Fatal Accident
Thursday's fatal traffic accident on Värmdö occurred on a notoriously dangerous stretch of road. The municipality is now reiterating its demands for the Swedish Transport Administration to ensure safety.
Two people died when an SL bus and a car collided on Thursday morning on the Farstabron bridge in Värmdö.
– The fire was so intense. Flames just shot out, says a woman who witnessed the accident.
Over the years, this road section has seen many accidents, several of them fatal, and Värmdö residents have raised alarms about safety.
– This is not the first time a severe accident has occurred on the bridge, it's terrible. Horrible. A change is needed for this bridge, says Värmdö resident Annica Korsner, who was one of the first on the scene on Thursday.
“Terrible Accident”
The chairman of the municipal council, Carl Kangas, states that following the accident, the municipality has established support points for residents in need.
– My thoughts are primarily with the victims and their families. This is a terrible accident that the police, emergency services, municipality, and healthcare are doing everything to manage, he says.
The road has long been considered a recognized accident-prone area.
The most recent fatal accident was in the spring of 2024. At that time, the municipality demanded action in a petition to the Swedish Transport Administration.
– This led to several measures such as re-signing, grooving, and a proposal for a reversible solution to be implemented in 2027, says Kangas.
According to him, today's work mainly involves managing the immediate consequences of the accident, but he has also initiated a gathering of all parties in the municipality to once again demand the same from the Swedish Transport Administration.
– I know I have the Värmdö residents with me when we demand immediate measures and a plan for a safer bridge with better accessibility, he writes.
Swedish Transport Administration: Why Accidents Occur
The Swedish Transport Administration noted in an assessment earlier this year that the traffic safety standard at Farstabron is low and decided to introduce a so-called reversible lane, where the traffic direction can change during the day.
“Traffic accidents occur when vehicles end up on the wrong side of the central barrier, especially in the eastward direction, as it is difficult to read the traffic environment,” the assessment states.
Carl Kangas believes that a central barrier would instead reduce the risk of accidents.
– This is something we have requested before. The Swedish Transport Administration claims it is difficult to implement, but it is our demand. A safe traffic environment is necessary, he says.