The Norwegian Public Roads Authority is asking on Wednesday to leave your cars and avoid the E18 road through Agder. Snow, wind and heavy snowdrifts will make road conditions very demanding.
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In recent days, the Norwegian Roads Authority has been constantly clearing snow from the main road and bringing in additional resources and heavier equipment from other parts of the country. The frequency of plowing was increased, rescue teams were deployed in sensitive places, and inspections of vehicles and tire equipment were carried out.
Leave your car on Wednesday
– However, we cannot be everywhere and all the time. On Tuesday afternoon and evening, we had incidents on the E18 between Kristiansand and Tvedestrand, which led to roadblocks, long delays and sometimes long-term traffic stoppages. We are afraid that situations may occur that are beyond our control, says department director Tore Jan Hansen from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
Conditions are getting worse
Hansen recalls the seriousness of the Meteorological Institute's warnings of heavy snowfall, strong winds and intense snowdrifts over the next 24 hours.
– The combination of these conditions has a very serious impact on road accessibility – by a lot difficult and poor driving conditions visibility. Conditions are expected to worsen this evening and into the morning hours on Wednesday, Hansen warned.
Leave the car
There has been less traffic on the roads in Agder in recent days. However, Statens vegvesen still believes that despite clear calls from both the police and other road owners, there are a worrying number of people on the roads.
– That's why we repeat: Leave your car if you do not have an urgent need to travel on the roads in Agder. Don't put yourself or others in difficult situations. It will take longer than usual to get help. And help keep the roads open for those who perform important life and health functions, Hansen urges.
In an extreme case, the Norwegian Public Roads Authority may be forced to close all or part of the E18 route through Agder.
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Source: Norwegian Road Administration
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