Strömsund Bridge structural damage and closure

The Strömsund Bridge on the E45 in Jämtland, Sweden, remains closed following structural damage caused by a 100-ton heavy transport on September 29. Although the vehicle had received a permit from Trafikverket to cross, the weight exceeded the bridge’s 74-ton limit, causing a pendulum bearing to fail and the northern roadway to lift by approximately 40 centimeters.

Initially, the 100-ton transport was left on the bridge to serve as a counterweight, as experts feared that removing the weight could cause the road surface to lift further. Adriano Maglica, a national coordinator for large bridges at Trafikverket, noted that crews were inspecting concrete foundations against original blueprints, though he assessed there was no immediate risk of collapse.

As the situation progressed, it was clarified that the failed bearing had not been included in recent renovations. To facilitate further inspections of the remaining bearings, the transport must be moved. The closure has forced emergency services to adjust response protocols and reroute calls to Hammerdal. Trafikverket has implemented ferry services for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, alongside detour routes, with a preliminary estimate suggesting the bridge may reopen in approximately one month.