Improved link proposed for Slovenia-Austria

Plans are being set out for improvements to the key road connection linking Slovenia with Austria. The proposals call for a second Karavanke Tunnel. At present a single two lane tunnel connects Jesenice in Slovenia with Villach in Austria. Completed in 1991, the tunnel suffers heavy congestion at present with traffic delays frequent at peak periods and particularly during the holiday season. A second tunnel would boost capacity and help reduce the delays. Geological survey work will have to be carried out and the implications of this may result in further delays to the existing link in the short term. Building the new tunnel would cost around €150 million according to early estimates. Should the project get the go-ahead, construction could commence in 2018 with the tunnel opening for traffic in 2021.