Road closure group 🚧❄️
The HSSR road closure group is different from other groups in the team, as it does not conduct traditional exercises but specialises in one specific task – road closures for the Icelandic Road Administration.
When weather or circumstances make it necessary and a decision has been made by the Icelandic Road Administration or the police, members of the group travel in the unit's vehicles and park on roads to close them, for example when Hellisheiði or other mountain roads are impassable.
The rescue team does not make decisions about road closures itself, but carries out the project in accordance with recommendations from the Icelandic Road Administration or other authorities.
These projects are done for and paid for by the Icelandic Road Administration , making the closure group one of the village's fundraising methods.
The closure team leaders ensure that there is always a sufficient number of members in the group, so that people can be called out at short notice. Since the tasks can be long, people need to be rotated regularly to ensure that everyone is rested.
The closure group is an important part of the unit's operations, as it contributes to safety on the country's roads while supporting the unit's funding. 🚙⚠️
Group leaders
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Unnar Már Sigurbjörnsson
Member since : 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the road closure group do in HSSR?
The road closure group is responsible for closing roads for the Icelandic Road Administration when weather or conditions make driving dangerous. Members of the group position vehicles at roadblocks to ensure that the closure is respected and provide information to drivers if necessary.
When are road closures set up?
Road closures are set up when weather or conditions make roads impassable. An example of a common closure is when Hellisheiðin is closed, and then Suðurlandsvegur is closed at the roundabout at Norðlingaholt.
What is the difference between soft and hard closure?
🔸 Soft closure – Drivers are advised not to cross, but there is no formal closure.
🔹 Hard closure – The road is completely closed and drivers are prohibited from crossing.
What do the road closure group leaders do?
The group leaders ensure that there are enough people in the group to cover road closures at short notice. Since the road closings can be long, they organize regular shift rotations so that members are rested.
Is this a fundraising project for HSSR?
Yes, the Icelandic Road Administration is paying for the road closure operations, and therefore this is an important source of funding for the search and rescue team. The revenue goes towards the operation, maintenance and replacement of equipment used in the search and rescue teams emergency response efforts.