This is the only road to the North Cape. It probably sees more traffic than anything in a 500km radius (with the exception of the piece between Honningsvaag and the Cape, where all the excursion busses shuttle the cruise passengers). They also keep this road open (on most days) year-round. So it is really a good idea to keep it in good shape.
The pavement on the narrower sections is uneven at times, probably due to frost heaves. Not terribly bad though, but this is common across Northern Norway. I've seen some disastrous secondary roads in the Tromsø - Bardufoss hinterland, completely potholed roads.
@@EuropeanRoads The roads near the coast get a lot of frost damage there since the surface often thaws and freezes over again many times each winter and of course people are driving on spiked tires causing more damage. I remember the 862 west of Tromsö towards Brensholmen (ferry to Senja) being quite bad in 2021. Maybe it was already re-surfaced since then.
I’m in Sweden, close to Lönsboda. Here you have beautiful roads too! Today I cross the Øresund bridge to Denmark but I like the great belt more then the Øresund.
Not sure about the 8,5, but I really like the concept. If you have a centerline, don't worry about oncoming traffic (unless they try something stupid). if there is none, watch out for wide vehicles and drive accordingly.