Faroe Islands rejects tunnels to protect Haldórsvík from winter isolation

The Faroese Roads Authority (Landsverk) has denied permission for two tunnels in Haldórsvík, rejecting a 2023 request by Sunda Municipality to prevent winter isolation of the village, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

The municipality had sought approval to build the tunnels, arguing they were necessary to maintain year-round access. However, the Roads Authority cited high maintenance costs and potential winter operational challenges as reasons for refusal. It also noted a broader policy of reducing the number of tunnels on national roads, stating that tunnels were not considered a viable solution for Haldórsvík.

Sunda Municipality appealed the decision, but the Faroese Complaints Board (Kærustovnur) upheld the Roads Authority’s ruling. Mayor Eyðstein Zachariasen expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, while the Roads Authority declined further comment.

The municipality now hopes the newly appointed transport minister will revisit the case.