Drivers crossing the Jökulsá á Fjöllum bridge in Northeast Iceland face renewed daytime restrictions after maintenance work resumed on Monday, August 17.
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration says the bridge will generally be closed for work from 08:00 to 19:00 on dry weekdays, with traffic allowed through during four limited windows.
What’s the Story?
- Maintenance restrictions resumed August 17 after a summer pause.
- Daytime traffic windows are 09:45–10:15, 12:00–13:00, 14:45–15:15 and 16:45–17:15.
- The 1947 bridge has reduced load-bearing capacity and corrosion in its cables; emergency traffic can be accommodated at short notice.
The Ring Road bridge over Jökulsá á Fjöllum near Grímsstaðir in Northeast Iceland. Daytime traffic restrictions have resumed while maintenance work continues.
Photo credit: Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin)
A narrow window on the Ring Road
The work originally began in May but repeated rain delayed painting and other maintenance, prompting authorities to pause the project during the busiest part of the summer travel season.
The bridge is a key Ring Road crossing in Northeast Iceland. According to Vegagerðin, its load-bearing capacity has declined over time and corrosion has developed in the cables, making completion of the maintenance a priority.
Outside the four daytime openings, the bridge is due to remain closed during working hours when weather allows the maintenance to proceed. It is open overnight from 19:00 to 08:00, and the restrictions do not apply in the same way when work is halted by unsuitable weather.
Travellers should check current conditions on Umferdin.is before setting out, as the schedule can change with the weather.
Sources: Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration
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