Commuters in the Oslo region are being urged to leave their cars at home as major roadwork on the E18 highway continues to cause significant traffic disruptions, according to Norwegian transportation authorities.
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration issued a renewed advisory this week, asking drivers to avoid the E18 corridor between Lysaker and Fornebu due to ongoing construction that has led to prolonged delays and extended queues, particularly during peak travel times.
Officials emphasized that the recommendation to “leave the car standing” remains in effect as crews function to complete infrastructure upgrades along the route, which serves as a key artery for commuters heading into and out of western Oslo.
Recent reports indicate that traffic backups have stretched for kilometers, especially in the mornings, as lane reductions and detours force vehicles to merge slowly through the work zone. The situation has persisted for over two weeks, prompting repeated warnings from both Budstikka and Dagbladet.
Transportation planners say the delays are an expected consequence of the necessary maintenance, which aims to improve long-term road safety and capacity. However, they acknowledge the short-term burden on drivers and continue to monitor traffic flow closely.
Authorities are encouraging the use of public transit, carpooling, or adjusted travel schedules where possible to help ease congestion until the project advances to its next phase.
