An Assessment of the Anticipated Social Impacts of the Bornholmtunnel
(2025) SGEM08 20251Department of Human Geography
- Abstract
- Fixed links across waterbodies, such as tunnels and bridges, can significantly reshape patterns of connectivity, accessibility, and regional integration, particularly in geographically isolated settings. The proposed Bornholmtunnel, a fixed link intended to connect the Danish island of Bornholm to mainland Sweden, has thus far mainly been studied regarding its technical and economic feasibility. This thesis focuses on the previously underexplored anticipated social impacts of the tunnel, with particular attention to how Bornholm’s permanent residents perceive these. It also examined the Bornholmtunnel Association, an advocacy group that actively promotes the project’s realisation. Adopting a social justice perspective, this exploratory... (More)
- Fixed links across waterbodies, such as tunnels and bridges, can significantly reshape patterns of connectivity, accessibility, and regional integration, particularly in geographically isolated settings. The proposed Bornholmtunnel, a fixed link intended to connect the Danish island of Bornholm to mainland Sweden, has thus far mainly been studied regarding its technical and economic feasibility. This thesis focuses on the previously underexplored anticipated social impacts of the tunnel, with particular attention to how Bornholm’s permanent residents perceive these. It also examined the Bornholmtunnel Association, an advocacy group that actively promotes the project’s realisation. Adopting a social justice perspective, this exploratory study aimed to understand how the Bornholmtunnel may impact various social groups. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research drew on survey data (n = 101) combining closed-ended multiple-choice questions, Likert scales, and open-ended qualitative responses. The analysis investigated how residents perceive the tunnel’s potential impacts on (1) accessibility and mobility, (2) housing affordability and property values, (3) labour market, and (4) health and well-being, while contrasting these perspectives with the Bornholmtunnel Association’s perceptions and objectives to identify potential points of convergence and tension. Statistical analysis, employing non-parametric tests, revealed a range of perspectives. While many participants recognised the benefits of improved accessibility and shorter travel times, a significant proportion, especially older respondents, voiced concerns about increased traffic, rising property prices, and a diminished sense of the island culture. Notably, gendered differences emerged: women were more likely to value aspects such as convenience, reliable access, and broader community well-being than men. These findings highlighted that enhanced accessibility is not universally perceived as beneficial. For some, the tunnel threatens the qualities that make island life desirable. The research thereby contributed to broader discussions on infrastructure development in peripheral regions, underscoring the need for early, inclusive, and equitable planning. Future research should expand the scope to include seasonal residents, tourism-dependent businesses, and Swedish stakeholders within Ystad municipality. A formal Social Impact Assessment is also recommended to proactively address equity concerns and guide policy toward more just and participatory outcomes. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9194245
- author
- Turegård, Lisa Matilda LU
- supervisor
-
- Linda Stihl LU
- organization
- course
- SGEM08 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- social impacts, accessibility, fixed links, tunnel, social justice
- language
- English
- id
- 9194245
- date added to LUP
- 2025-06-09 10:36:41
- date last changed
- 2025-06-09 10:36:41
@misc{9194245,
abstract = {{Fixed links across waterbodies, such as tunnels and bridges, can significantly reshape patterns of connectivity, accessibility, and regional integration, particularly in geographically isolated settings. The proposed Bornholmtunnel, a fixed link intended to connect the Danish island of Bornholm to mainland Sweden, has thus far mainly been studied regarding its technical and economic feasibility. This thesis focuses on the previously underexplored anticipated social impacts of the tunnel, with particular attention to how Bornholm’s permanent residents perceive these. It also examined the Bornholmtunnel Association, an advocacy group that actively promotes the project’s realisation. Adopting a social justice perspective, this exploratory study aimed to understand how the Bornholmtunnel may impact various social groups. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research drew on survey data (n = 101) combining closed-ended multiple-choice questions, Likert scales, and open-ended qualitative responses. The analysis investigated how residents perceive the tunnel’s potential impacts on (1) accessibility and mobility, (2) housing affordability and property values, (3) labour market, and (4) health and well-being, while contrasting these perspectives with the Bornholmtunnel Association’s perceptions and objectives to identify potential points of convergence and tension. Statistical analysis, employing non-parametric tests, revealed a range of perspectives. While many participants recognised the benefits of improved accessibility and shorter travel times, a significant proportion, especially older respondents, voiced concerns about increased traffic, rising property prices, and a diminished sense of the island culture. Notably, gendered differences emerged: women were more likely to value aspects such as convenience, reliable access, and broader community well-being than men. These findings highlighted that enhanced accessibility is not universally perceived as beneficial. For some, the tunnel threatens the qualities that make island life desirable. The research thereby contributed to broader discussions on infrastructure development in peripheral regions, underscoring the need for early, inclusive, and equitable planning. Future research should expand the scope to include seasonal residents, tourism-dependent businesses, and Swedish stakeholders within Ystad municipality. A formal Social Impact Assessment is also recommended to proactively address equity concerns and guide policy toward more just and participatory outcomes.}},
author = {{Turegård, Lisa Matilda}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{An Assessment of the Anticipated Social Impacts of the Bornholmtunnel}},
year = {{2025}},
}