Partial road out of commission: Iceland Ring Road traffic affected

A flash flood swept away the bridge across Mulakvisl river on Myrdalssandur in South Iceland. This affects traffic on Highway 1 (the Ring Road) about 10 km east of the village Vik, between Hofdabrekka from the West, and Skalm from the East.

Reconstruction of the bridge is underway. If all goes well it might be opened in or after the middle of next week. In the meantime, alternative routes have been opened and other means of passing the river are being put in place. Authorities will make every effort to limit the inconvenience for travelers until connection across Mulakvisl is restored.

How to Cross Myrdalssandur

Specially equipped trucks and buses are on place to ferry smaller cars and people across the river. Parking lots for waiting cars have been built on both sides. The trucks can ferry most ordinary cars. The traffic in July is usually about 1.000-1.200 cars per day so if there is heavy traffic there could be a wait. Cars will be ferried over the river from 7 AM to midnight.

An alternative back road north of the Myrdalsjokull glacier (Route F208 – Fjallabaksleid nyrdri) is open to 4×4 vehicles allowed for highland driving. Travellers should be aware that the road is only passable in full size four wheel drive vehicles. Law enforcement has been increased on that route and the Icelandic Search and Rescue Teams have increased their presence in the area in order to assist travellers.

In addition, the daily bus service to Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Skaftafell and Hofn now runs through Fjallabak nyrdra (RouteF208) until connection across Mulakvisl has been restored.

Special road sign

A special road sign has been made to warn foreign tourists about the situation. The sign will be set up in six places to day July 12th. The sign will be at Seydisfjordur, 2 around Egilsstadir, at Kirkjubaejarklaustur, close to Hella and in Reykjavik by Raudavatn on the way out of the city to the south.

Websites to follow:

•    Promote Iceland – www.iceland.is
•    Icelandic Road Administration – www.vegagerdin.is
•    Iceland Civil Protection – www.almannavarnir.is
•    Safe travel in Iceland – www.safetravel.is
•    Road Map of Area – www.vegagerdin.is/english/road-conditions-and-weather/the-entire-country/south1.html