According to Slovakia’s national road company, NDS, the cost of the project has risen by around €23 million to just under €278 million since the original work was awarded in 2015.
The package of works is for the 13.5km D1 highway between Lietavská Lúčka and Dubná Skala and includes construction of the partially completed 7.5km twin-tube Višňové Tunnel – to be the longest road tunnel in Slovakia. The section will help reduce journey times in the area around Žilina.
A consortium led by Skanska’s Slovakian business is the main contractor for the project after being awarded the work in early 2021. Skanska took over the project from the original contractor, the Italian-Slovak consortium of Salini Impregilo – now Webuild - and Dúha. Completion, originally set for the end of this year, has been delayed due to deterioration of the tunnel due to the hiatus of work when switching contractors. Drainage issues were a major problem, according to media reports.
The D1 is an east-west motorway that connects Bratislava through to Michalovce and the border with the Ukraine. It is the main motorway in Slovakia as well as being the country’s longest and busiest motorway, forming part of several pan-European roures, including the E50, E58 and E75. With the exception of sections in Bratislava, a vignette is required to use the motorway.
Last year, NDS has tendered for tunnel and vehicle IT equipment for the Visnove Tunnel, with an expected cost of around €71.5 million. The contract also includes IT equipment for the D1 motorway stretch Lietavska Lucka and Dubna Skala.
Meanwhile, seven regions in Slovakia have been given the green light to apply for government funding aimed at the modernisation, reconstruction and construction of Class II and III roads, including bridges. Around €21 million has been earmarked for road reconstruction, while €10 million will be allocated for bridge reconstruction. The Bratislava region is not included in the call.
Up to €170 million is now being allocated for the upgrade of Class II and III roads, with around €165 million allocated to the development of transport links in less developed regions.
