Improvements to traffic agreement in Greater Reykjavik receive positive feedback from committee chair

Improvements to the traffic agreement for the Greater Reykjavik area are seen positively by the chair of the environmental and transport committee. The new plan includes the construction of underground tunnels for Miklabraut.

Under the updated agreement, the Icelandic government will cover one-third of the operating costs for the public transport system, Strætó, with the total cost of the agreement nearly doubling from previous estimates. The planned tunnels will extend 2.8 kilometers from Skeifa to Landspítali, with connecting tunnels towards Kringlumýrarbraut and other intersections, resulting in less disruption compared to earlier proposals.

Originally signed in 2019, the agreement has undergone significant revisions reflecting the area’s growing population and vehicle numbers. The population has increased by 20,000, and private car registrations have risen by 15,000 in the past five years.

Despite some dissent over prioritization among committee members, there is a consensus on the agreement’s goals. The project timeline has extended from 15 to 22 years, with current estimates for completion set around 2040 and total costs projected at 310 billion Icelandic krónur.

The mayor expressed satisfaction with the outcome, acknowledging the lengthy process of revision. The updated agreement will be officially presented tomorrow, marking a critical advancement for public transportation in the region. As a part of the plan, additional walking and cycling paths will be created, and the roles within public transportation management will be clarified to enhance the overall efficacy of transport solutions.