The traffic today went well, and the day went better than expected, the traffic operators conclude.
– There hasn’t been a queue, but a bit of heavy traffic, says traffic operator Mette Brunæs in the Vegtrafikksentralen east.
The same is said by traffic operator Ronny Sleire in Vegtrafikksentralen west.
– In general, it has gone well. There may be more over the course of the day, but really I think we are over the worst, he says.
The convoy driving on Haukelifjell no longer applies, but heavy loads going over Hardangervidda should drive with chains, is the message from the Road Administration.
It hasn’t been busy on the roads in Northern Norway either.
– We have actually received very few inquiries. The conditions are quite good, and we don’t have any extreme weather here now, says traffic operator Ronja Aanes in Vegtrafikksentralen nord.
– Be prepared for delays
Figures from the last two years show that Wednesday in Easter week, as well as Easter Sunday, are the days with the greatest risk of delays on the roads.
– On both days, the biggest delay is in the middle of the day, around 12 to 2 p.m. If you wait to travel until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, you can probably drive without queues in most places, advises department director Nils Karbø in the Norwegian Road Administration in a press release.
– If you drive in the middle of the day, you must be prepared for delays, especially around the big cities and on the most popular stretches and mountain passes, adds Karbø.
However, he says that delays in Easter are primarily a phenomenon in southern Norway. In central and northern Norway, previous figures show no delays these days.
Trafficked out of town
So far, the weather promises to be good for those who will be hitting the road during the day.
– On the main roads it is mostly bare and wet, but there can be some slippery sections. Nevertheless, it looks like the route is quite good, says traffic operator Brunæs.
She says the most traffic is expected on the major exit roads E6 north towards Lillehammer from Oslo, Sollihøgda and Hønefoss and on the E18 towards Drammen.
– It’s because people are going to the mountains, she says.
Remember winter tires
The drive also looks good on the big mountain passes in southern Norway. However, the police encourage people to make sure that the car is well secured for the road and to take plenty of time on the way to the cabin and Easter Mountain.
– It is important to keep a good distance on the road and take your time to help. If we avoid stress, we can avoid collisions, says operations manager Inge Landsrød in the South East police district to NTB.
– We don’t know how smooth it will be, but it seems fine so far, so let’s hope it goes well for everyone who will be setting off today, he says.
Still winter weather
Although spring is beginning to show its first signs around Norway, it is important to remember that it is still winter in many places, emphasizes the National Road Administration.
– Although there are bare and dry roads in low-lying areas, there is often snow and winter snow on mountain passes and in higher areas, says Karbø and adds:
– Wait until after Easter to change the tyres, make sure the car has a full tank or a full battery and bring extra clothes, food and drink. This is particularly important if you are going over the mountain.
The Red Cross also encourages Easter motorists to drive safely and to show consideration in traffic.
– Put safety first, calculate plenty of time, drive according to the conditions and show consideration for other road users so that everyone gets there safely, is the call from Roy Worum in the Red Cross Aid Corps.
