Sweden: E45 highway likely to remain closed between Lilla Edet and Sjuntorp, Vastra Gotaland County, until at least Aug. 2 due to landslide

As of July 28, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) has reported that the E45 highway is likely to remain closed in both directions between the Lilla Edet and Sjuntorps interchanges in Vastra Gotaland County until at least Aug. 2 due to a landslide that recently occurred north of Lilla Edet. Authorities have also announced that adjacent Road 2014 would remain closed in both directions between the Lilla Edet interchange and Bliksered until at least July 31. The landslide reportedly occurred following heavy rainfall in the area which also flooded some 20 homes in Lilla Edet. Officials have instructed affected traffic to seek alternative routes, such as the E6 highway.

Traffic delays are likely in Vastra Gotaland County amid the closure of the abovementioned segments of the E45 highway and Road 2014. Any further and sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil, as well as flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. Additional transport disruptions may also affect any areas subject to further heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides.