| Summary: | Along the northern coast of the Bothnian Gulf between Umeå and Luleå live 65 percent of northern Norrland's population, yet there is no coastal railway that connects these cities with each other. In 2010, Botniabanan was completed, partially a new coastal railway between the cities of Sundsvall and Umeå. This was the first railway construction in Norrland in 80 years. Now it's time again, 2018 started the first construction phase of the Norrbotniabanan from Umeå in direction towards the city of Luleå. When the railway is completed, the line will pass through places that have not previously had a railway connection, including the small town Robertsfors. Robertsfors, with its strategic location between Umeå and Skellefteå, has a unique opportunity to expand its local labor market and increase its population when the railway arrives and shortens the time distance to Umeå and Skellefteå. This essay addresses how Robertsfors may change and develop with the establishment of a train station inside Robertsfors' central town. The result is based on assumptions by politicians and officials in the municipality and addresses issues such as work commuting and what makes Robertsfors attractive. The results show that the establishment of the railway raises hopes for an increase in population and has much to do with the increased freedom of movement and proximity to a larger labor market. However, there are also major challenges such as investment opportunities and accessibility to labor resources. Changes in Skellefteå and Umeå with increased housing prices and a shortage of housing and building land also open up opportunities for Robertsfors municipality as people can be expected to apply for housing in Robertsfors but work in Umeå or Skellefteå and commute to work by train.
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