Preparations in connection with the total solar eclipse on 12 August are generally progressing well and are in the final stages in many areas.

This is stated in a memorandum from the Government Steering Group on the Coordination of Preparations for the Total Solar Eclipse. The memorandum was presented at a Cabinet meeting last week. As before, the authorities recommend that people in the western part of the country and the southwest corner of Iceland try to experience this unique and historic event at home or in their local area.

The Government Steering Group has conducted site visits to the Westfjords, West Iceland, the Capital Region and Reykjanes and reviewed the work currently underway there.

Preparations Well Advanced in Most Areas

The Westfjords are one of the primary areas expected to experience heavy pressure. Work is underway to expand parking facilities at Látrabjarg, improve toilet facilities, define the cliff edge, increase the number of park rangers, and prepare traffic management measures and possible closures when the carrying capacity of certain locations is reached. Improvements will also be made to the capacity and coverage of mobile telecommunications networks at Látrabjarg.

The memorandum states that the road to Látrabjarg will most likely be able to accommodate the expected traffic, as it will primarily consist of passenger cars and smaller coaches. The road will be one-way in the lead-up to the eclipse and on the return journey afterwards. The road will be slow-going, which may affect the response capability of the police and ambulance services. Vehicles larger than 19+1 will not be permitted on Örlygshafnarvegur and Rauðasandsvegur on 12 August.

In West Iceland, preparations are well advanced, including traffic management, parking facilities, services, nature conservation measures, and the preparedness of the police and healthcare institutions. Clear operational plans are in place, but heavy traffic through West Iceland and congestion at the Hvalfjörður Tunnel and the bridge to Borgarfjörður can be expected. The main challenge in West Iceland is the number of people, as it is likely that Icelanders and other residents of the country who decide to travel at short notice will choose West Iceland rather than the Westfjords.

In the Capital Region, the municipalities have prepared a joint action plan, with an emphasis on targeted public information that may influence travel patterns and reduce pressure on West Iceland, the Westfjords and Reykjanes. People will be encouraged to experience the total solar eclipse at home or in their local area.

On Reykjanes, preparations are also well advanced. The main challenges relate to private aircraft, drone operations, the possible concentration of people at popular viewing locations, and traffic pressure on Reykjanesbraut.

Police Districts Receive Funding for Preparedness

The Steering Group's memorandum states that police districts have been authorised to cover necessary preparedness-related expenses. This has significantly reduced uncertainty regarding the involvement of search and rescue teams and the funding of projects. Police districts within the path of the eclipse anticipate a considerable level of preparedness and enhanced response capability to help ensure public safety, manage and facilitate traffic, and minimise the risk of accidents or other unforeseen incidents.

Across all affected areas, work is underway on traffic management, preparedness, public information, nature conservation, and the reception of visitors. The Steering Group considers such preparations to be a key requirement for safely receiving large numbers of visitors.

According to information from the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, considerable traffic volumes can be expected during the three days before the event and the two days afterwards. The Icelandic Coast Guard expects to have two helicopters and two crews available in Reykjavík, with a third crew available as relief if required. The helicopters will be based in Reykjavík, while the patrol vessel Freyja will be stationed off the coast of West Iceland. In addition, the Coast Guard's new response boats will be positioned on the Snæfellsnes and Suðurnes, respectively, to carry out maritime law enforcement if necessary.

The Icelandic Transport Authority and the Icelandic Coast Guard also consider it important that people familiarise themselves with the requirements that apply to passenger transport by sea and remind the public that it is not permitted to offer such services without the required permits.