Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Oshlidargong Tunnel, between Hnifsdalur and Bolungarvik

I realize that tunneling in certain parts of the world is an old, established system of getting through mountains (Norway and northern Italy, for example). But this concept is a recent one for Iceland. Since our visit, the OSHLIDARGONG TUNNEL has been completed (end of September 2010). I find this report fascinating. A map is provided to show the route. (This may take a short while to load, but it is worth the wait.)

 
The tunnel begins just after you pass through the village of HNIFSDALUR. This village is subject to avalanches, just as the coastal road was continuously subject to avalanches, falling rocks (boulders), and icing.

 
Mini-tunnels were constructed to protect the most vulnerable areas.

 
Fencing was added along the road in other areas to protect against rock slides.

 
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This is the tunnel entrance from the Bolungarvik side.

8 comments:

magiceye said...

perfectly composed and shot!!

magda said...

Hi Margaret,
Indeed, the tunnels are very useful, thank you for the nice journey! Great photos!
Greetings

Mo said...

Tunnelling still fascinates even though it is centuries old.

Sharon Creech said...

Intriguing. . .though I fear tunnels. . .

CARLOS said...

Surprising, but a good idea to avoid avalanches in a country that has problems so lava. Greetings.

Unknown said...

I really like the way you composed the top shot.

Jim said...

Intreresting tunnel. Great shots.

Caroline said...

Funny - we were also visiting a tunnel just outside Cape Town last week - the Huguenot Tunnel that goes through the Cape Fold Mountains beyond Paarl.