Trollstigen Road Reopens Early After Rockslide Closure
A famous Norwegian tourist route, closed since last June due to hazardous rockslides, will reopen this Friday, a few days ahead of schedule, delighting local businesses.
Unexpectedly Swift Repairs
Originally slated to open on Monday, July 14th, the Trollstigen road is ready for visitors sooner than anticipated. According to Solgunn Langlo, project manager for Møre og Romsdal county municipality, the road sustained less damage than initially believed, and “everything has simply gone according to plan.”
Economic Boost Expected
The extended closure has negatively impacted the regional economy, heavily reliant on tourism. Former board leader in Romsdal Reiseliv, Ole Johnny Amundsen, expressed his relief, stating: “I am brilliantly happy. Every day such a tourist attraction is closed, loses one million.”
In 2019, Trollstigen saw a visitor record of over one million people.
Safety Enhancements
Following a rockslide on June 20th of last year, safety concerns prompted the road’s closure, except for a brief ten-day period. Now, after 40 million was allocated for rockslide protection by the government last summer, measures have been implemented to bolster safety along the Kjelstadlinja section. As reported by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, rockfall incidents across Norway have increased by 15% in the last five years, highlighting the importance of these preventative measures (Norwegian Public Roads Administration 2024).
Traffic Management Planned
Rauma’s Deputy Mayor, Jan Petter Valde (Sp), also celebrated the reopening, anticipating heavy traffic, especially with favorable weather predicted for the weekend. Daily inspections and traffic management will be in place during peak season to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent hazardous stops.
Future Tolls Considered
Further safety enhancements are planned, potentially funded by a toll system. While paving and casting work continues, Langlo assures the road will be ready by Friday. Despite the improvements, Langlo cautioned, “One does not control nature, so one cannot say it is completely safe. It is as safe as one can achieve.”
About Trollstigen
Trollstigen, a mountain road in Møre og Romsdal county, features eleven hairpin turns and reaches an altitude of 850 meters. Connecting Valldal and Åndalsnes, it’s a key part of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes.
