A section of National Road 13 in Suldal, Norway, remains closed following a rockslide on Sunday evening, leaving travelers stranded and prompting concerns about the area’s vulnerability to landslides. The road, currently serving as a detour route due to a separate closure on E134 in Åkrafjorden, is not expected to reopen until at least 10:00 AM on Monday, according to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen). This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining safe passage through Norway’s mountainous terrain, particularly during the winter months.
The rockslide occurred at approximately 8:45 PM on Sunday near Lovraeidet, a known hotspot for landslides in the Suldal municipality. Authorities were alerted when a vehicle was struck by falling rocks, resulting in material damage. Fortunately, the two occupants of the vehicle were assessed by ambulance personnel at the scene and, while shaken, did not sustain serious injuries. One individual was transported to Haugesund Hospital for further evaluation, according to initial reports from the South-West Police District.
Merete Vårvik Matre, a local resident traveling with her family, described a frightening experience. She recounted being stuck in traffic immediately behind the vehicle that was hit, unable to maneuver on the narrow, winding road. “It was a bit of a catastrophe thought process,” Matre told Haugesunds Avis. “We were stuck with cars behind us, with no way to reverse, on one of the most treacherous stretches of road in this region.” She praised a local contractor who quickly assisted in clearing debris, allowing traffic to slowly pass.
Road Closure and Detour Information
The closure of National Road 13 adds further complexity to travel in the region, as the route is currently being used as a detour due to a major rockslide that has closed E134 in Fjæra, Åkrafjorden. As previously reported, the E134 closure has caused significant disruption, and the added closure of RV13 exacerbates the problem. Motorists are advised to employ the Gullingen route as an alternative, though this adds considerable distance to the journey.
According to Operasjonsleder Roger Litlatun of the South-West Police District, crews are working to clear the rocks from the roadway, but a thorough safety assessment is required before the road can be reopened. “You’ll see stones in the roadway that need to be cleared, but the Norwegian Public Roads Administration is involved to assess the safety of the area,” Litlatun stated. “It will likely be closed for a period, and assessments must be made when it is safe to open the road again.”
Geological Assessment and Ongoing Risks
A geologist has been dispatched to the site to evaluate the stability of the slope and determine the risk of further landslides. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has scheduled a new assessment for Monday at 10:00 AM, at which time a decision will be made regarding the reopening of the road. The assessment will be conducted in daylight to allow for a more accurate evaluation of the area.
Olav Espedal, another motorist caught in the aftermath of the slide, described the situation as “unpleasant.” He noted that traffic was eventually allowed to proceed, likely to avoid having vehicles stranded in a potentially dangerous area. “It didn’t seem like a large landslide from what we could see,” Espedal said. “When we drove past, we saw a stone that was perhaps the size of a wheelbarrow. A car with a trailer was hit and had damage to the trailer, and possibly a shattered rear window. But it seemed like things were okay.”
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with traveling through mountainous regions of Norway, particularly during periods of thaw and freeze. National Road 13, specifically the stretch between Lovraeidet and Rødsliane, is known to be particularly vulnerable to landslides due to its challenging topography and unstable terrain. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has identified this section as a priority for improvement, with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing safety and mitigating the risk of future landslides.
Looking Ahead
The immediate priority remains the safe reopening of National Road 13. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they grow available. Travelers in the area are urged to check road conditions before departing and to exercise caution. The next official update is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Monday, following the geologist’s assessment.
For the latest information on road closures and traffic conditions, please visit the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website or follow their updates on social media. We will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
