What changed
2026-07-26 16:08 UTC → 2026-07-28 18:47 UTC ·
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In mid‑July 2026, Norway’s The recent re‑classification of Norway’s national highways to county responsibility was highlighted as creating control has created a near‑20 billion‑kr maintenance shortfall, especially in Møre og Romsdal. The funding gap resulting under‑funded network has left county roads deteriorating, contributing to accelerated road deterioration, a rise in traffic fatalities and prompting criticism of the government’s “zero vision” for road safety. A In the week later, congestion and accidents on after the funding issue was highlighted, the heavily used E18 corridor underscored the practical impacts of the under‑funded network. experienced severe congestion and multiple collisions. Police operations, extensive road works, operations near Heistad, road‑work delays near Langangen and a the post‑holiday travel surge produced delays of 20–35 minutes and multiple collisions, including 20‑35‑minute hold‑ups, a chain‑reaction crash near Rugtvedt and a bus‑car incident collision in Skjelsvikdalen. Authorities urged drivers to exercise caution while keep safe distances and follow posted guidance. Later in July, long queues were forecast for the underlying maintenance deficit E18 near Oslo from 31 July to 3 August as bridge components were lifted at Fornebukrysset, narrowing the road to a single lane toward the capital. The Public Roads Administration recommended alternative routes via county road 4 (Nittedal), the E134 Oslofjord connection, or county road 19. Earlier that week, a medical‑emergency stop caused a full south‑bound stoppage at Telemarksporten in Porsgrunn; police and ambulance crews cleared the incident without injuries. The cumulative effect of funding gaps, construction work and traffic surges continues to affect strain Norway’s road conditions infrastructure and safety across the country. outlook.