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Several glass panels at the Bolafjall viewing platform have cracked under winter snow pressure, but Bolungarvík’s mayor says the structure remains safe. Replacement panes have been ordered as the town also plans improvements to the steep mountain road.
Several glass panels at the Bolafjall viewing platform in the Westfjords have cracked, but the damage does not compromise visitor safety, according to Bolungarvík Mayor Jóhanna Ósk Halldórsdóttir.
The cracks affect the inner layer of a two-layer safety-glass system and were caused by heavy winter snow rather than pressure from visitors, Jóhanna told Bylgjan. Replacement glass has been ordered, although fittings on the outside of the platform make installation difficult.
Original source: Vísir; Bolungarvíkurkaupstaður
- Cracks in the platform’s inner glass layer do not affect its safety, the mayor says.
- Heavy winter snow caused the damage, and replacement panes have been ordered.
- The steep road to Bolafjall is also set for improvements following a recent rollover.
Road Improvements Follow Mountain Crash
Bolungarvík took responsibility for maintaining the Bolafjall road in March. The municipality is grading the gravel road and adding passing places, with plans to widen it and install guardrails next year.
A car rolled an estimated 200 to 300 metres down the mountainside last week. The driver escaped with minor injuries. Jóhanna attributed the crash to reckless driving and said the road is safe when motorists drive cautiously and according to conditions.
The platform has become a major regional attraction since Bolungarvík first announced plans for the mountainside structure in 2019. Jóhanna estimated that around 10,000 people have travelled up the road so far this summer.
The road will close to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic on August 12 as the Westfjords prepare for the total solar eclipse expected to draw large numbers of visitors to western Iceland. Commercial bus trips to Bolafjall will be available instead.
Read more stories covering Icelandic society, politics, business, and culture at Iceland Review News.
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