E39 highway closed in Norway after asphalt trailer spill

A trailer carrying about 19 tonnes of asphalt overturned on the E39 highway in Norway early Thursday, spilling the material onto the road. The spill hardened, causing damage to the guardrail and blocking a 7‑kilometre stretch in both directions. No injuries were reported. Traffic operators announced that clearing the road will take a long time, with a detour routed via county road 439. The incident was reported by the police at 05:03 and confirmed by the traffic centre at 07:50.

Truck driver Axel Dahl, who was operating the vehicle, said he was fortunate that the accident did not result in more serious consequences. Traffic operator Anniken Island indicated that the eastbound lane might reopen before the westbound lane, but an exact timeline remains uncertain.