Flytter kirken på grunn av mineutvidelse

The project involves relocating Kiruna Church, a timber structure weighing approximately 670 tons, from its original site to the new town center about five kilometers away. This relocation is necessitated by the expansion of one of the world's largest underground iron ore mines operated by LKAB, which has destabilized the ground beneath the old town, threatening the church's structural integrity and the safety of the surrounding buildings and residents. Kiruna Church, built in 1912 and widely regarded as Sweden's most beautiful church, is a significant cultural and historical monument whose preservation is a central objective of the project.

Kirken flyttes sakte på spesialplattform

The church is transported slowly on specially designed platforms equipped with 220 wheels, moving at an average speed of about half a kilometer per hour. This complex operation spans two days and represents an impressive engineering feat. The relocation requires careful handling to maintain the integrity of the wooden structure, combining advanced technology with meticulous preservation techniques. The project has attracted considerable national and international attention, including live coverage by Swedish media and the presence of King Carl Gustaf during the final stage.

Veidekke leder millionprosjektet for LKAB

The Norwegian construction company Veidekke serves as the main contractor, responsible for executing the move and other related urban restructuring tasks in Kiruna. The project carries a substantial budget exceeding 500 million Swedish kronor, fully funded by LKAB, the mining company whose activities necessitate this large-scale intervention. The effort balances competing interests between supporting continued industrial mining operations and preserving the town’s unique cultural heritage, ensuring both economic and historical values are maintained.

Flyttingen reduserer minerelaterte skader

This church relocation is part of a wider urban relocation effort prompted by the underground mining activities that produce ground subsidence hazards. The risks involved include structural damage caused by mining-induced vibrations and ground instability, which the move aims to mitigate by placing the church in a secure location unaffected by these mining impacts. Public engagement remains high with real-time updates available via LKAB’s channels, providing transparency and community involvement in this rare and technically demanding construction project.

Prosjektet kombinerer arv og innovasjon

In summary, the Kiruna Church relocation is a landmark project combining cultural preservation, innovative engineering, and urban adaptation to industrial activity. It represents two decades of planning and highlights the challenges of sustaining a living cultural monument in an evolving industrial landscape, showcasing how heritage and modern infrastructure needs can be harmonized through careful planning and execution.