The first road was built during 1939-1940 and at the time Finnmark’s road authorities were pioneering the use of machinery such as tractors with tracks and bulldozers for the construction work. The principle aim was to move as few materials as possible, and the road was not intended to be open during the winter months. When the work was completed on 1 October 1940, it was an important historical moment as there was now a continuous road - Rv50 (the Norwegian National Road 50 (now County Road 98)) - from one end of the country to the other.

The new road was completed in 1980 and built using a different construction principle elevating the road above the terrain. This method was developed during the 1960s for use in high altitude mountain areas to let the wind blow the snow off the road surface and, additionally, the wide embankments on both sides prevent build up of snowdrifts across the road.