Smooth and safe travel to Boden Industrial Park
What makes life good? If you ask the people of Boden, it often comes down to proximity and safety — closeness to nature and community, and the ability to travel safely and easily to school, work, and leisure activities.
Many of the things residents have asked for are now becoming reality. In the area around Boden Industrial Park, the focus is on improving and developing sustainable travel.
The good life
Beatrice Hagardt and Stina Sundqvist work at the Department of Community Development. Together, they lead the municipality’s ongoing EU-funded project Sustainable mobility and accessibility to Boden’s new industrial area.
The project started in 2023 and will run until 2026. It is financed by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, the European Regional Development Fund, and Region Norrbotten. The funding is used for accessibility and safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport between the travel centre, Norra and Södra Svartbyn, and Boden Industrial Park.
The EU project is part of the development outlined in the detailed comprehensive plan The Good Life for Erikslund, Fagernäs, and Norra Svartbyn. The plan was developed in close dialogue with residents in the areas and with school pupils from across the municipality.
“Our goal is to improve mobility within the municipality so that more people choose to walk, cycle, or travel by public transport,” says Beatrice Hagardt.
Making a difference here and now
Anyone moving around the areas near Boden Industrial Park can already see the progress. New pedestrian and cycle paths are being built, lighting is being improved along key routes, and safer crossings are being created for both cyclists and pedestrians. New bus stops are also being added, and existing ones are being upgraded.
“At the travel centre, we’re adding charging points for electric bicycles,” says Stina Sundqvist. “We’re also focusing on interactive communication here.”
The project’s working and reference groups play important roles. The working group has contributed expertise and experience from various municipal departments, while the reference group — consisting of representatives from local associations, sports clubs, and businesses — has provided ideas and local engagement.
“It’s important for Boden Municipality to involve residents in changes that affect them,” says Beatrice. “We’re happy to show how EU funding and co-financing can contribute to local area development and make a difference here and now.”
Design competition
The project also engages local residents in creative ways. Earlier this year, Boden Municipality invited citizens and local businesses to take part in a design competition to create a weather shelter.
“We were looking for an innovative and sustainable design that reflects the local environment,” says Stina Sundqvist. “The design needed to provide cover from above and from at least three directions, include lighting, and offer seating.”
The competition was open to individuals and groups living or working in Boden. Companies taking part had to have at least one permanent workplace within the municipality. Interest in the competition was high.
“The great response reflects how engaged Boden residents are in local development and their surroundings,” says Beatrice Hagardt. “We received many excellent entries. The winning design — created by a local family — will be revealed when the new bus stop is inaugurated next year.”
A future in Boden
For Beatrice Hagardt and Stina Sundqvist, it’s rewarding to see new pedestrian and cycle paths, bus stops, and safe crossings for vulnerable road users taking shape.
“These improvements have been long awaited by residents,” says Beatrice. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see things come together, to see them built and used. The people of Boden are helping to create their own future.”
The project will ensure the following measures are completed and achieved:
- Improvement measures along Svartbyvägen and construction of a new 3.3 km pedestrian and cycle path to Boden Industrial Park.
- Construction of a new 1.3 km pedestrian and cycle path connecting Södra and Norra Svartbyn over Fyragårdarshöjden, linking to existing paths.
- Installation of four charging points for electric bicycles at Boden Travel Centre.
- Review and construction of two safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists in Norra Svartbyn.
- Construction of two bus stops with bicycle racks.
- Construction of a hourglass-style bus stop (narrowed middle section for safer boarding).
- Development of interactive communication initiatives to positively influence residents’, visitors’, and commuters’ attitudes and behaviour towards sustainable mobility.
This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection.
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Text by: Anna Almqvist
Photo by: Elvira Hemström /Municipality of Boden
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