According to major media reports, the E22 is closed since Monday and heavy traffic is rerouted through Karlshamn. The road will be closed at various locations for about a month, with the closure currently applying only to traffic from the Ronneby and Karlskrona direction. Traffic is being led via Ronnebyvägen, and the work will continue until May 24.
During the month, the other direction (west to east) will also be closed and rerouted through Karlshamn. According to SVT Blekingenytt, Ola Karlsson, a street engineer in Karlshamn municipality, described that traffic is being led via Ronnebyvägen and that while there will be a lot of traffic, it should manage for a period. The rerouting is expected to cause significant congestion in Karlshamn, especially during peak hours, as the city's road network absorbs the additional heavy traffic.
We are leading traffic via Ronnebyvägen. There will be a lot of traffic but it should manage for a period.
Local authorities have advised drivers to plan for extra travel time and to consider alternative routes if possible. The work involves extensive road repairs and maintenance, which necessitate the phased closures. Residents and businesses in the affected areas have been notified, and signage has been placed to guide drivers through the detour.
The Swedish Transport Administration has emphasized that the closures are essential for ensuring long-term road safety and durability. Meanwhile, separate works on the E22 near Kalmar are also impacting traffic. Traffic-affected water and sewer works between Karlsro and Kalmar Södra interchange, towards Kalmar, are currently postponed to another occasion, according to major media reports.
Extremely poor visibility
There will be two open lanes on April 21. However, one lane is closed for three weeks while median barriers are installed, according to other reports. These may refer to different sections or projects, but both affect the E22.
The median barrier installation is part of a broader safety initiative to reduce head-on collisions on this stretch of the highway. The postponed water and sewer works were originally scheduled to coincide with the barrier project to minimize disruption, but have been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Motorists are advised to stay updated on the latest traffic information as schedules may change.
Be attentive.
In addition, poor visibility has been reported on another section of the E22. According to BLT Blekinge Läns Tidning, an unnamed source described extremely poor visibility on the E22 due to wind and loose soil. It is unclear when the issue will be fixed, according to Kristianstadsbladet, which quoted an unnamed source advising to be attentive.
The combination of wind and loose soil creates hazardous driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles. Authorities are monitoring the situation and may implement temporary speed reductions or lane closures if conditions worsen. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.