The temporary bridge over Steinavötn river will be opened for all traffic at noon today, the Icelandic Road Administration reports. The original bridge had been damaged by extensive flooding last week due to heavy rain in late September. Workers have worked day and night so that travellers may cross the bridge. Ring Road One, the main highway in Iceland, has been closed for car traffic between Jökulsár glacial lagoon and the town of Höfn. It was impossible to bypass the closure except by driving all the way around Iceland on Ring Road One.
The bridge is a single lane one and travellers have been asked to proceed with caution while crossing it. It is 104 metres long and the base is wooden poles that steel beams rest upon. A wooden flooring is then placed on top of the base according to the Icelandic Road Administration.
Some delay should be expected as workers strive to complete the finishing touches. The original schedule estimated that the bridge would be open to traffic on Friday, but the speed of the work has exceeded all expectations and it will be opened up at noon today, Wednesday. Pedestrian traffic will be allowed to cross the original bridge over Steinavötn until the temporary bridge is officially opened.
Readers can keep up to date on road conditions in Iceland on the website of The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
