Mastrafjord Tunnel Reopens After Truck Fire Causes Major Traffic Delays
The Mastrafjord Tunnel on the E39 highway in Norway reopened to normal traffic on Monday, February 16, 2026, after a fire in a truck caused a lengthy closure and significant traffic disruptions. The incident began Monday morning and impacted ferry services as well.
Fire and Tunnel Closure
At approximately 8:30 AM local time, emergency services responded to reports of a fire in a truck on the north side of the Mastrafjord Tunnel, located between Rennesøy and Mosterøy Haugesunds Avis. The tunnel was immediately closed to all traffic.
According to Operations Leader Jostein Jaarvik Reiestad of the Sør-West police district, firefighters quickly gained control of the blaze. The truck driver was assessed and found to be unharmed, though he had inhaled some smoke. There were no initial reports of other injuries Haugesunds Avis.
Traffic Diversions and Delays
The closure of the Mastrafjord Tunnel led to substantial traffic congestion on the E39. Ferries were rerouted to operate between Arsvågen and the old ferry berth in Mekjarvik, north of Randaberg, to accommodate affected travelers Haugesunds Avis.
A journalist from Haugesunds Avis reported significant queues forming towards Arsvågen as of 1:00 PM on Monday. Drivers heading to Rennesøy were directed to the ferry at Mortavika, while those traveling to Stavanger were advised to employ the ferry to Mekjarvik Haugesunds Avis.
Tunnel Reopening and Investigation
Firefighters extinguished the fire by 9:45 AM. Still, the reopening of the tunnel was delayed while authorities assessed potential damage and removed the damaged truck Haugesunds Avis.
The Mastrafjord Tunnel finally reopened to normal traffic at 3:19 PM on February 16, 2026 Haugesunds Avis. Police have concluded their on-scene investigation and are opening a case regarding the incident Haugesunds Avis.
Earlier Incident
the Mastrafjordtunnelen was previously closed on July 21, 2025, due to a vehicle breakdown NRK Rogaland.