National Road 7 has been closed since a landslide occurred at Bromma in Nesbyen early Sunday morning.
The contractor, Presis Vegdrift, has been waiting for the conclusion from the geotechnical engineer. When they got the green light, they could start the rest of the cleanup job. Operations manager Andreas Hefte at Presis Vegdrift confirms to NRK that the national road will open around 5:30 PM on Sunday.
Road Closed for Long Time
National Road 7 is one of the main arteries between Eastern Norway and Western Norway and crosses Hardangervidda.
As a result of the landslide, a detour was set up via County Road 287 Eggedal or via E16 Fagernes, according to the traffic report from the Roads Administration.
No new landslides have been reported. The landslide that occurred last night followed a brook bed and is about 400 meters long, according to the police. The width varies but was up to 30 meters with a landslide tongue that crossed National Road 7.
On Sunday, there have been regular status meetings with the municipality’s crisis management team, to which representatives from the County Governor and NVE have also participated, the police report.
Two Homes Affected
The affected homes will remain evacuated at least until Monday, but the evacuees have been given the opportunity to retrieve their most essential belongings, the police write in the police log.
The landslide crossed the heavily trafficked national road at Bromma. It was reported at 4:32 AM.
Last night, a helicopter was hovering over the landslide area to assess further evacuation. There are six homes located in the landslide area.
– There are no reports that either buildings or people have been taken by the landslide, said the operations leader around 5:30 AM. The police later confirmed that no one was physically injured after the landslide, and no other houses are affected.
Crisis Management Notified
It was residents in the houses who alerted about the landslide over Hallingdalsvegen.
Both rescue helicopters and police helicopters were called in to participate in the evacuation work, and the municipality’s crisis management was quickly notified.
Deputy Mayor Kristian Noreng (H) tells Hallingdølen that the most important thing so far has been to secure life and health.
– It is a painful situation for those affected. And I must say that this came as a surprise given the weather situation that has been. We cannot see that there has been much precipitation. There has been wind, to be sure. But it is difficult to see a connection, he tells the newspaper.
How can communities effectively respond to and mitigate the risks associated with landslides?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Geotechnical Expert Dr. Elin Holstad
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Holstad! Thank you for joining us today. As we’ve seen, the recent landslide on National Road 7 in Nesbyen has led to significant road closures. Can you give us an overview of what causes such landslides?
Dr. Elin Holstad: Thank you for having me! Landslides can occur due to a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, changes in land use, and geological conditions. In this case, the landslide appears to have followed a brook bed, which often indicates that water saturation in the soil may have played a crucial role. When the ground becomes too saturated, it loses stability, leading to potential slides.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating. The reported landslide was approximately 400 meters long and 30 meters wide. Can you explain the implications of such dimensions for road safety and infrastructure?
Dr. Holstad: Certainly. A landslide of that size is substantial and can be quite destructive. The width and length indicate a significant movement of soil and rock, which can easily overwhelm existing structures, such as roads. For road safety, this means that not only is the affected road impassable, but it also necessitates rigorous investigations to assess the stability of surrounding areas. Furthermore, engineers must ensure that the site is secured before allowing any traffic to resume.
Time.news Editor: The cleanup effort depends heavily on the evaluation from geotechnical engineers, as mentioned by the contractor, Presis Vegdrift. How crucial is this assessment, and what does it involve?
Dr. Holstad: The assessment from geotechnical engineers is vital—it involves examining the landslide area, determining the cause, and assessing any potential risks for future occurrences. This can include soil testing, analyzing drainage patterns, and evaluating the stability of the remaining terrain. Without a thorough assessment, it’s challenging to implement effective remediation strategies to prevent further slides.
Time.news Editor: We’ve learned that a detour has been set up via County Road 287 and E16. In situations where roads are closed, how important are these alternative routes for emergency services and local residents?
Dr. Holstad: They are essential. Alternative routes ensure that emergency services can continue to access affected areas quickly and that residents can go about their daily lives. The lack of access to primary roads, like National Road 7, can lead to isolation, especially in rural areas, which emphasizes the importance of having a well-maintained secondary road network that can support these needs during such emergencies.
Time.news Editor: Additionally, we’ve heard that two homes have been affected by this landslide. How can communities prepare for the potential impacts of natural events like this?
Dr. Holstad: Community preparedness is key. This can range from developing comprehensive emergency response plans and conducting regular risk assessments to educating residents about the signs of instability or severe weather conditions that could lead to landslides. Involving local governments and environmental agencies in these discussions is crucial to create proactive strategies for disaster management.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Holstad, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s clear that landslides not only disrupt transport but also threaten community safety and stability. We appreciate your insights today.
Dr. Holstad: Thank you for having me—it’s always a pleasure to discuss the importance of geotechnical engineering in public safety.