The E134 road at Fjæra in Etne, which was initially supposed to reopen on Wednesday this week, is now delayed and is not expected to open until next week. The closure, which has been in effect since March 1 due to a rockslide, has encountered more significant damages than anticipated. Most notably, the severe weather forecasted for the coming days poses an increased risk of further slides, prompting road maintenance officials to suspend cleanup efforts temporarily on Thursday and Friday.

Svenn Egil Finden, the director of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, indicated that the process of clearing the road is expected to take longer due to the extent of the damage associated with the landslide. When the road does reopen, motorists can anticipate traffic regulations that will implement convoy driving for an extended period, likely for several months. This measure is designed to ensure safety as vehicles navigate through the affected areas.

After weeks of uncertainty, residents who were evacuated have finally been allowed to return home to Fjæra on Monday. However, the lengthy closure and the slow recovery process underscore the significant impact of natural disasters on local infrastructure and community life, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by both authorities and residents in affected areas.