Government Introduces National Transportation Plan

On December 3, the Icelandic government introduced the revised national transportation plan at a press conference. The plan presents the current government’s emphases in national transportation infrastructure.

According to Minister of Infrastructure and People’s Party MP Eyjóllfur Ármannsson, the agenda aims to eliminate single-lane bridges, ensuring Internet connection along main routes, increased expenditure towards road maintenance and better traffic safety.

Starting in 2027, road maintenance expenditure is set to increase from 12-13 billion ISK per year to 20 billion ISK, with increased winter service.

One of the more pressing issues of the plan is the construction of mountain tunnels, requested the public in North and East Iceland. As the plan entails, the 5.2 km Fljótagöng tunnel will be prioritised, connecting Siglufjörður with Fljótin; while the Fjarðagöng tunnel connecting Seyðisfjörður with Mjóifjörður, and Mjóifjörður with Norðfjörður is next on the list.

Reykjavík Airport is not anticipated to be moved but instead be bolstered until a viable option for a new location is determined.