Heavy snow and icy roads force convoy driving on Hardangervidda

Convoy driving has been introduced on Norway’s Hardangervidda plateau and Haukelifjell mountain pass due to severe icy conditions and blowing snow, while Valdresflye road remains closed, reports Dagbladet.

Two traffic accidents occurred Saturday morning on Route 7 across Hardangervidda. Three vehicles collided near Dyranut, involving seven people, while a separate incident involved three individuals in a rear-end collision. No injuries were reported.

Following the accidents, the Norwegian Road Traffic Centre West announced mandatory convoy driving for all vehicles due to extreme slipperiness and snowdrifts. “The mountain must first be cleared of traffic before convoy driving can begin,” the centre stated.

Weather stations at Skulevika (1,183 metres elevation) recorded wind speeds of 12.8 m/s with heavy snowfall. Convoy driving is also in effect on E134 over Haukelifjell and County Road 50 (Hol–Aurland), while County Road 51 (Valdresflye) and County Road 55 (Sognefjellet) are closed.