Flisa bridge was one of 14 wooden bridges that were closed as a result of the bridge collapse at Tretten. This has created major challenges for the grain farmers in the south of Hedmark. Now the grain is to be harvested, but instead of taking the shortcut over the wooden bridge, the farmers have had to take a detour of two miles. Corn farmer Ole Andreas Trongaard has been critical of the bridge being closed and what he believes is a lack of information. Now he admits to having crossed the bridge illegally. – I was dead tired and found that it was the only possibility to get the grain delivered, he says. The Flisa bridge has been closed since 16 August. And after the bridge was closed, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration found faults with the bridge that must be corrected. CLOSED: Flisa bridge was one of 14 wooden bridges that were closed after Tretten bridge collapsed. Photo: Anne Kari Løberg Risky review The farmer got a lot of attention when last week he threatened to cross the bridge illegally. Trongaard said he would take action this week. Now he admits to having done it already. And he claims he is not alone. Several must have done the same. – I want attention to be drawn to the case and for the authorities to get involved. It is an unsustainable situation, says the farmer. He believes that the Swedish Road Administration does not take enough account of the grain farmers who are affected. Trongaard says he is prepared that the action may have consequences, but does not fear it. He still hopes for understanding of the situation they are in and that there will be a mitigating circumstance. – I have to take it as it comes, says the farmer. Announces re-opening of closed bridges next week Reacts Traffic manager in Innlandet county municipality Aud Riseng reacts to the information that Ole Andreas Trongaard and others have driven over the Flisa bridge. – The bridges are closed based on a precautionary principle and then it is illegal to drive over the bridge, she says. Riseng is very understanding that the farmers are in a difficult situation with a long detour, but says that safety is most important. To the criticism that there has been too little information, she responds as follows: CONSIDERING REACTIONS: Transport manager Aud Riseng says the case has been sent to the county attorney who will assess what to do next. Photo: Alexander Nordby / news – We have been in a very demanding situation in the interior after the Thirteen Bridge collapsed and all the consequences that followed. We have tried as best we could to stand up and inform. And then it is always the case that there can never be enough information and you are never completely sure of reaching everyone. What are the consequences for Trongaard and others who have driven over the bridge? – I can’t say that. We have sent the case over to the county attorney who is considering what to do with it, says Riseng. The transport manager states that they have no information that something similar has happened on other wooden bridges that have been closed. Quick clay stops the opening of the temporary bridge
ttn-69
Farmer Ole Andreas Trongaard drove illegally over the Flisa bridge in Åsnes and may be reported – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
