Committee proposes action plan for infrastructure repairs in Grindavík, Iceland following significant earthquake activity

Significant earthquake activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula has prompted the local committee in Grindavík to put forth a comprehensive action plan for infrastructure repairs, anticipated to cost approximately half a billion Icelandic kronas. The proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The committee underscores the urgent necessity for the repairs to essential infrastructure, including roads and utility lines, to facilitate safe access in and out of Grindavík. They emphasize that main streets and evacuation routes must remain unobstructed, with existing fissures secured by robust fencing, currently comprised of lightweight plastic netting.

Land subsidence has been recorded near the harbor, resulting from the geological shifts induced by recent earthquakes, with elevation changes of up to one meter noted. To safeguard buildings from potential flooding, the committee advocates for elevated coastal defenses, aimed particularly at protecting fisheries and other structures near the harbor.

Additionally, the committee proposes completing the geological survey project, as the municipality has previously stressed its importance. Future assessments of undeveloped areas beyond the urban center are planned to define potential access routes for the public.

The estimated total cost of these initiatives amounts to 470 million Icelandic kronas. The committee deems it critical for the government to intervene, particularly in light of the municipality’s financial situation. They suggest state funding of 440 million kronas, with an additional 30 million from the town of Grindavík.

This action plan has been presented to the local council in Grindavík during their most recent meeting and was forwarded to the ministry earlier this week. The implementation of these measures could potentially reduce current closure costs associated with access points, which now total around 40 million kronas per month. However, the costs for surveillance by law enforcement and the Meteorological Office might rise with increased traffic.