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Canal depth not sufficient for ferry, which replaces closed bridge
The depth of the canal is not sufficient for the 'Linea'. which is to replace the closed Dalbo Bridge in Vänersborg. In September 2025, the Dalbo Bridge over the Trollhätte Canal in Vänersborg was closed to all traffic after deficiencies were discovered in the bridge supports during a routine inspection. The deficiencies were so serious that they had to be repaired, a work that, according to an initial forecast, is expected to take nine months. In early October, the Vänersborg Municipality signed an agreement with the Swedish Transport Administration to bring in the 'Linea' as a temporary solution. The ferry will then function as a bridge across the canal, a solution that was already done in 2011 with the same ferry, also in connection with a bridge repair. The estimated cost was estimated to be close to 30 million Swedish crowns. The cost of getting the ferry in place was 10 million, after which a daily charter of 93,800 crowns is added for each day the ferry is used. At the end of October, the ferry left its regular route in the Stockholm archipelago between Tynningö and Norra Lagnö. After a week-long journey, towed by the tug 'Brage' via the Baltic Sea, Kattegat and through the Göta River, the 'Linea' arrived in Vänersborg on Nov 9. Measurements showed that the depth of the canal was not sufficient for the ferry. According to the municipality, the ferry has had an increased draft since 2011 due to renovations at the same time as the water level in Lake Vänern has become much lower. Therefore, the channel now needs to be dredged in order for the ferry to be able to get into place, while ensuring that the excavation work does not negatively affect the fairway. There was no reliable forecast of how long this will take. A number of different measurements were made prior to the ferry's arrival, including the depth of the canal, water levels and the bottom of the canal. However, not all measurements could be carried out until the 'Linea' had arrived in Vänersborg and the margins wree found too small to be able to move her safely without risking her running aground. The 'Linea' has been largely rebuilt since 2011, with a new drive system, which means that she needs a larger maneuvering space and safety margin. The ship's new propellers and drives have no sail-on protection, which means that running aground would have major consequences, and the 'Linea' therefore needs a larger turning radius to ensure good maneuvering without the risk of running aground. The plan is for the ferry to carry cars and buses as well as pedestrians and bicycle daily between 06:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Trucks are not allowed and directed to the E45 and Edsvägen. At night the ship will be moved out of the way to keep the fairway open for shipping. Most of the shipping traffic takes place at night, but the ferry may also be closed between 09:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to allow ships that cannot wait until nighttime to pass. Report with photo: https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/muddringen-drojer-arbetet-kraver-tillstand
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