The glacial outburst flood which peaked over the weekend has left huge swaths of the lava fields and sand flats in South Iceland submerged in floodwaters. Torrential rains in the last few days have made matters worse.
Ring road spared but weakened
The flood washed away stretches of back roads but spared bridges and the ring road, which is built to withstand floods of this size. But as the floodwaters subside its full effects begin to emerge.
Read more: The glacial outburst flood has permanently turned lava fields into vast sand- and mudflats
Ágúst Bjartmarsson, with he Icelandic Road administration in South Iceland, told the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service that the road‘s foundation was completely soaked, weakening the roadbed. While the road seems to be holding up the Road administration has decided to lower the speed limit through the worst affected areas to ensure the safety of motorists and minimize the stress on the road.
Drive carefully
In the next few days, the Road administration will make measurements of the road to assess the stability of its foundation. The road's sides will be strengthened to stop further erosion and the need for further repairs determined. To complete these tasks the Road administration will need to wait for the floodwater to subside somewhat.
Read more: The wonderworld of Eldhraun lava field
In the meantime, motorists are advised to slow down and drive carefully through the affected areas.
The glacial outburst flood which peaked over the weekend has left huge swaths of the lava fields and sand flats in South Iceland submerged in floodwaters. Torrential rains in the last few days have made matters worse.
Ring road spared but weakened
The flood washed away stretches of back roads but spared bridges and the ring road, which is built to withstand floods of this size. But as the floodwaters subside its full effects begin to emerge.
Read more: The glacial outburst flood has permanently turned lava fields into vast sand- and mudflats
Ágúst Bjartmarsson, with he Icelandic Road administration in South Iceland, told the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service that the road‘s foundation was completely soaked, weakening the roadbed. While the road seems to be holding up the Road administration has decided to lower the speed limit through the worst affected areas to ensure the safety of motorists and minimize the stress on the road.
Drive carefully
In the next few days, the Road administration will make measurements of the road to assess the stability of its foundation. The road's sides will be strengthened to stop further erosion and the need for further repairs determined. To complete these tasks the Road administration will need to wait for the floodwater to subside somewhat.
Read more: The wonderworld of Eldhraun lava field
In the meantime, motorists are advised to slow down and drive carefully through the affected areas.
