E134 Reopening Delayed Following Significant Landslide in Norway

The E134 highway in Norway remains closed following a large rockslide that occurred on Sunday morning near Fjæra. While no injuries were reported, the slide caused substantial damage, and authorities now estimate the road will reopen on Wednesday, March 11th, with the possibility of further delays.

Ongoing Assessment and Removal Operations

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) and geological experts have been working to assess the extent of the landslide and determine the necessary steps for reopening the road. Svenn Egil Finden, department director for operation and maintenance in the west of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, stated that a significant volume of rock, estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 cubic meters, was displaced during the slide.

Remaining Risks and Mitigation Efforts

A substantial remaining rock mass, measuring approximately 50 x 30 x 10 meters, poses a continued hazard. Crews are focused on removing loose rock to stabilize the area before the highway can be safely reopened. According to Finden, the team is considering various techniques, including using air cushions to loosen rocks and controlled explosives.

Climbing Teams and Safety Protocols

Currently, a climbing team of two is working on the mountainside, with the potential to increase to three teams (six climbers). Safety protocols dictate that climbers cannot work directly above one another.

Historical Context and Protective Measures

Analysis of older photographs of the mountainside revealed the scale of the landslide was unexpected. Existing safeguards located near the Mowi building were insufficient to stop the rockfall, though they may have slowed some of the boulders, according to Finden. Haugesund’s Avis reported on this assessment.

Previous Concerns Regarding E134 Security

The incident has renewed discussions about the need for improved security measures along the E134, particularly in the Åkrafjord area.

Svenn Egil Finden has extensive experience in road operations and maintenance, having worked with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration for the past 11 years. Prior to that, he spent 20 years in the private sector serving the road industry. He holds an MSc from NTNU Trondheim. Traffex 2026 and LinkedIn provide further details on his background.