Mayors: tunnel work causing traffic bottleneck

Something needs to be done to control the extra traffic generated by the new tunnel project in Norðoyggjar.

While the mayors in Klaksvík, Hvannasund and Viðareiði municipalities applaud the decision to build the tunnels, they say the construction work is creating big traffic problems in the existing tunnels.

Work began on replacing the two old tunnels between Klaksvík and Norðtoftir in February. The tunnels date back to the 1960s.

A traffic bottleneck

The mayors say that traffic fumes can severely affect visibility in the old tunnels and that the problem with oncoming traffic and limited lay-bys in the tunnel is getting worse by the day.

And, they argue, these problems are expected to worsen significantly with increasing tourist numbers this summer.

The mayors have called on the transport minister and road authority Landsverk to implement traffic controlling measures such as traffic lights in both of the old tunnels.

“This is not an easy situation, but something needs to be done. It is our duty to make our citizens feel safe in the traffic,” say the three mayors.

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

Translated by prosa.fo

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