Strömsund Bridge closure and saline spray health recommendations

The Strömsund Bridge on the E45 highway remains closed following structural damage caused by a heavy truck on September 30. The incident resulted in the bridge shifting sideways and rising by 40 centimeters. Trafikverket Director General Roberto Maiorana stated that the bridge's fasteners failed under the weight of the 100-ton vehicle. The truck remains on the bridge to prevent further movement until sufficient counterweights are in place.

To assist local residents facing long detours, Trafikverket has deployed two emergency ferries, pending local municipal permits. While heavy traffic on the E45 will continue to use detours, the ferries aim to support the Strömsund community.

Separately, health officials in the Västra Götaland region are recommending the use of saline nasal spray to combat cold symptoms. This follows a large British study involving nearly 14,000 participants, which suggested that saline use can reduce the average number of sick days from 8.2 to 6.4 over six months and decrease antibiotic use by 25–30 percent.