The Ring Road

Until 1976, the eastern part of Iceland was completely cut off from the western part, as there was no way to travel but by horse or boat.  In 1976, however, they constructed the Ring Road, which goes completely around the island.

The first thing we noticed about the Ring Road is that the speed limit is 90 km/hr or about 55.  And everyone seems to drive the speed limit (well, not everyone, but almost everyone).  It is a very narrow road, much like a county road in Kansas might be, with very narrow shoulders and not very bright markings.  It does have adequate pull-outs, many nice informational signs, and plenty of picnic tables along the way, too.

Probably the most disconcerting part of the road is that most of the bridges (not all) are one-lane.  So as a car comes up to the bridge, the driver must be very careful to make sure no one is already there.  The Icelandic drivers are very courteous, so it has not been a problem.  We believe the reason for the one-lane bridges is strictly a cost factor.  The road itself is not that busy, and it is much cheaper to build a one-lane bridge.

This bridge was a very long bridge.  Notice the expansions so that cars can pass at certain points.

Toward the eastern edge of the island, we also noticed many blind hills and corners.  They are well-marked, however, and again have not been a problem.