Cracks discovered in bridges over Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in Öxarfjörður

Cracks have been discovered in the concrete pillars supporting the bridge over the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in Öxarfjörður, signaling a need for repair or reinforcement. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) has raised concerns that allowing a heavy crane transport across the bridge this summer might have been a mistake.

Currently, a heavy crane needs to be transported back to its home in East Iceland from Þorlákshöfn to Seyðisfjörður, necessitating a maritime journey via the Faroe Islands, as it was not permitted to return over the bridge. Due to the advanced age of the bridges over Jökulsá á Fjöllum, both north and south, they were initially designed for different transport loads and have shown vulnerability to heavy transports, particularly when exceptions are made.

Pétur Matthíasson, head of communications at Vegagerðin, emphasized that every time a very heavy load passes over these aging bridges, it exacerbates their condition. He noted that some transports should not have been allowed given the bridges’ current state. The situation has highlighted an ongoing need for careful oversight regarding heavy transport allowances.

The bridges, once integral to local infrastructure, are now in need of significant evaluation and potential reinforcement to ensure their safety and functionality for future traffic. The administration plans to assess the situation further to determine the necessary steps moving forward.