Poor transportation infrastructure in Westfjords of Iceland jeopardizes local economy and safety

Poor transportation infrastructure in the southern Westfjords of Iceland is negatively impacting local industry, tourism, and residents’ welfare. Ongoing road construction projects, including the completion of improvements over Dynjandisheiði, have fallen behind schedule, while funding shortages have led to further delays. Existing routes remain treacherous, particularly the gravel road between Dynjandisheiði and Dýrafjarðargöng, further complicating travel to popular tourist destinations and increasing safety concerns.

Local authorities are uncertain about upcoming projects, such as the bridge construction in Gufudalssveit, which are part of broader efforts to reduce travel times and enhance safety. With the existing road often unusable due to harsh conditions, heavy vehicle traffic on inadequate routes is a significant concern. The situation has led to calls for urgent government funding to expedite necessary improvements, as many local projects are currently stalled due to a lack of financial resources.

Additionally, residents express a desperate need for the South Fjords Tunnel, which, despite being on the national transport plan, is not set to commence until 2043. The community emphasizes that the ongoing reliance on poorly maintained mountain roads internally is unacceptable and poses safety risks, especially for emergency services located at distances that can take up to 30 minutes to cover under ideal conditions.

Notably, the underfunded roads also hinder access to tourist attractions, complicating travel plans for visitors, including anticipated solar eclipses in 2026. Stakeholders stress that unresolved transport issues impact not only economic development but also broader issues related to gender equality, as poor road conditions discourage women from driving in the area. After years of neglect, local leaders are calling for prioritization and urgent action to improve the transport network in the region.