After announcing earlier in the week that most all mountain passes were open for holiday traffic, state highway officials were hoping on Thursday that most travelers had already made it home for Christmas. A new batch of stormy weather in Southern Norway forced them to close two roads that help connect east and west.
State Highway RV7 over Hardangervidda, a popular route for many traveling between the Bergen and Oslo areas, was closed Thursday morning, as was County Road FV50 between Hol and Aurland. State Highway RV 13 over Vikafjellet had already been closed off and on during the week, and was to remain closed at least through Christmas Eve.
RV7 over Hardanger’s mountain plateau had been open for convoy driving during the night, but at 7:30am, the state highway department (Statens vegvesen) closed it to all but heavy trucks in escorted convoys.
They warned that driving conditions had also become hazardous on the E6 highway over Dovre and the main E134 highway over Haukelifjell because of slick roads, strong winds and poor visibility. They urged motorists to check road conditions before setting off and to have warm clothes and drinks inside the passenger compartment of vehicles.
newsinenglish.no staff
