Weekend roadwork on Oslo's E18 highway is causing severe traffic congestion. The construction involves installing new median barriers and repaving sections near the Fornebu intersection.
Last weekend, two journalists spent three hours traveling between Hasle in Oslo and Dikemark in Asker. This journey normally covers about 45 miles.
Project manager Kjetil Fløtre from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration said the long queues were expected. He explained the situation will continue for the next two weekends.
Ramps toward Ring 3 will remain open during daytime hours on Saturdays. This should help ease traffic on local roads.
"But there will still be long queues regardless," the project leader stated.
Workers paved the roadway last weekend. They will install new median dividers during the upcoming weekend.
Most future work will occur overnight after these weekends. An exception comes during the last weekend of November when eastbound lanes close again.
That closure will redirect Sandvika traffic through the new Stabekk intersection.
When asked why work couldn't happen overnight now, Fløtre said the job is too extensive. Completing it overnight isn't feasible.
"It's somewhat bad now, but after December 1st there won't be more work in Fornebu intersection this year," he confirmed.
The roads administration urges drivers to leave cars at home. They recommend allowing extra travel time and considering alternative routes.
Options include European route E134 Oslofjord connection or National Road 4. These bypass the worst congestion areas.
The ongoing E18 Oslo construction highlights Norway's infrastructure challenges. Major projects often disrupt traffic significantly despite attempts to minimize inconvenience.