Askøy: Mayor Urges Residents to Stay Home | Askøybroen

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Askøy Bridge closure: Residents Urged to Limit Travel This Weekend

Residents of Askøy, Norway, are bracing for meaningful travel disruptions as the Askøy Bridge is scheduled to close between 10:00 PM Saturday evening and 9:00 AM Sunday morning. Authorities are preparing for the planned shutdown, emphasizing the importance of minimizing non-essential travel during the period.

Preparing for Disruption

Local officials have been proactively preparing for the bridge closure, with increased staffing across key agencies. According to a statement from the Mayor of Askøy, Yngve Fosse, “A good piece of work has been done… Blue lights in the agencies and extra staffing.” The municipality has bolstered its resources to ensure a swift and orderly closure and reopening. critical health services will continue to be supported by emergency response teams,and alternative transportation options are being prioritized.

Did you know? – The Askøy Bridge is a crucial transportation link connecting Askøy island to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. It handles significant daily commuter traffic.

Alternative Transportation Options

The Skyss boat service will operate throughout the night, with a brief two-hour suspension of service between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM. This service is particularly aimed at supporting workers on rotating shifts, according to Øyvind Strømmen, a press officer for Skyss. “A boat route has been set up that goes most of the night. It is set up for the work travelers. Especially rotation workers who work evening and night,” Strømmen explained. However, officials caution that travel to the city center will be significantly impacted. The last bus departing Bergen bus station for Kleppestø is scheduled for 9:22 PM, with the first bus resuming service at 9:52 AM on Sunday.

Despite the efforts to provide alternatives, Strømmen acknowledged the inconvenience, stating, “It is clearly not a satisfactory offer with a closed bridge… stay at home if you can.”

Pro tip: – Check the Skyss website or app for real-time updates on boat schedules and potential delays during the bridge closure. Plan your journey in advance.

Concerns and Safety Measures

The Vestland county council has deployed traffic guards to manage the closure points and ensure a smooth process. Acknowledging the disruption to daily life, kristoffer Hove, a project manager with the county council, offered an apology, stating, “We understand that the closure intervenes in the everyday lives of many, and that it can lead to disadvantages and consequences for some.”

Local police are also expressing concern about potential gatherings of people at the docks. Sven Erik Midthjell, station manager at the Askøy and Øygarden police station, urged residents to utilize alternative transportation options and avoid congregating at the ferry terminals. “We hope people will pay attention and use alternative transport,” Midthjell said. He further reassured the public that all emergency services are fully staffed and prepared to respond to any incidents that

Reader question: – What are the long-term plans for bridge maintenance in the Askøy area? What steps are being taken to prevent future disruptions?

and the air ambulance is on standby. Authorities are advising anyone who does not require essential travel to remain at home during the bridge closure.

Why is the bridge closing? The Askøy Bridge is closing for planned maintenance. While the specific nature of the maintenance wasn’t detailed in the original report, the closure is intended to allow for necessary repairs or upgrades to the bridge infrastructure. Who is affected? Residents of Askøy and those traveling between Askøy and Bergen are directly impacted. Commuters, workers on rotating shifts, and anyone needing to travel to or from askøy will experience disruptions. What alternatives are available? The Skyss boat service is the primary alternative, operating throughout