The preparation for the reconstruction of a temporary bridge across the river Múlakvísl, which is part of the Ring Road in south Iceland, is going well. It is now estimated that the bridge might be finished in one week, instead of the two to three originally scheduled.

The Mýrdalssandur plains through which Múlakvísl flows. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

Forty utility poles are waiting to be erected. Workers commenced erecting them yesterday evening and worked through the night. They will continue to work non-stop until all poles have been placed, mbl.is reports.

Yesterday, the Icelandic Road Administration reported that other construction material had also been delivered to the construction site.

Recent predictions indicate the construction work could take less time than originally expected provided all goes well and no surprises occur along the way. The temporary bridge is to be ready mid or late next week.

The bridge was destroyed in a glacial flood from Mýrdalsjökull on Friday night, which damaged the Ring Road between Vík and Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Yesterday, Emergency Units began to assist travelers and their vehicles with crossing Múlakvísl and will continue to do so for the next few days.

The next few days will determine how many crossings will be required to meet the needs of travelers but delays are to be expected in transporting vehicles across the river.

According to Fréttabladid, it is expected that 25 to 35 percent of regular traffic can be accommodated this way.

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