On Saturday, February 22, the residents of Piteå will go to the polls to take a position on how Norrbotniabanan should run through the municipality. This is the first time in Piteå municipality's history that a municipal referendum is being held.
Over 4,000 Piteå residents, representing more than 10 percent of eligible voters, signed a popular initiative in August 2025 demanding a referendum. Now citizens get to have their say.
Two alternatives
Voters can choose between two alternatives for Norrbotniabanan's routing:
1. Through the center – with a new travel center at the southern bay, according to the Swedish Transport Administration's decision
2. Along E4 – through Storfors with a new travel center in the Lomtjärn area
The referendum is being held in six voting districts: Rosvik, Jävre, Norrfjärden, Roknäs/Sjulnäs, Hortlax, and central Piteå. Early voting has been ongoing since February 16 and continues until February 21.
Preparations for the vote
The Norrbotniabanan Group organized three webinars in early February to inform citizens ahead of the decision. The question of station placement has been described as decisive for the entire Norrbotniabanan project.
Vote counting must be completed no later than eight days after the referendum, Monday, March 2 at 5:00 PM. The result will be forwarded to the government, the Riksdag's transport committee, and the Swedish Transport Administration.
Affects all of northern Sweden
Norrbotniabanan is a new railway between Umeå and Luleå that will enable faster passenger traffic and increased freight transport. The project is a crucial part of northern Sweden's infrastructure and the green transition.
Although the referendum is advisory – that is, not legally binding – the result is expected to have significant impact in the political process regarding the railway's final design.