Construction at Höfðabakki continues
Construction on Höfðabakki continues through winter as crews upgrade traffic lights and improve walking and bike paths. The goal is to improve safety, accessibility, and traffic flow for all road users.
The project includes upgrading traffic lights at all major Höfðabakki intersections: at Stórhöfði, Dvergshöfði, Bíldshöfði, Bæjarháls and at Höfðabakkabrú where it meets Vesturlandsvegur. At the same time, crews are improving trails, curbs, lighting and medians to make the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
Höfðabakki and Bæjarháls intersection nearly finished
Construction began at the Höfðabakki and Bæjarháls intersection this summer and is now nearly complete. Crews have installed new traffic light controls and improved the trails. The work is scheduled to wrap up this November. At Höfðabakkabrú, where crews have upgraded traffic lights and improved sidewalks, work is down to the final touches, which will also be completed in November.
Construction continues at the intersections with Dvergshöfði and Stórhöfði. At Dvergshöfði, crews have replaced the traffic lights. Work at Stórhöfði includes installing underground utilities, finishing sidewalks, and putting up signs, as well as replacing old light poles with new ones. Construction at these two intersections is scheduled to finish in December. Crews will install the new traffic light controls once finishing work at both intersections is complete.
Further north on Höfðabakki, at the intersection with Bíldshöfði, construction is less advanced. Work there involves installing underground pipes and manholes from control boxes to the medians.
Improved safety and traffic flow
Once construction at all five intersections is complete, safety and traffic flow on Höfðabakki will have improved significantly for all road users — pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The old traffic light equipment was well past its prime. The new equipment allows for real-time traffic light control, which adjusts based on traffic flow. Alongside the equipment upgrades, crews are improving accessibility and safety for road users. The project is part of a broad initiative by Reykjavík City to improve traffic safety and green transportation. It also improves connections within the Höfðabakki area, which plays a vital role in the city's economy.