Cost of D1 section Hubova-Ivachnova rises 40%

The cost of the Liptov section of the D1 Hubova-Ivachnova motorway in Slovakia has risen by around 40% to €320 million, according to national media.

The 15km Ružomberok bypass, including the 3.6km Čebrať Tunnel, is now €93 million more expensive than it was nine years ago, the national motorway company NDS is reporting. The D1 Hubova-Ivachnova motorway section should be completed in 2024 compared to the previously planned 2017. The delay was caused by the land slide near the western part of the Čebrať Tunnel.

Earlier this summer, NDS said construction of the D1 between Lietavska Lucka and Dubna Skala in northern Slovakia, which includes the Višňové Tunnel, will be completed within two years.

Meanwhile, Slovakia's Transport Ministry is planning to use funds from the European Connecting Europe Facility programme for preparation of the remaining sections of the D1 motorway. This includes the stretch from Kosice to the border with Ukraine and the R4 expressway from Presov to the Polish border.

The ministry and the NDS will also seek to cover around half of the cost of the northern bypass of Presov's second phase. Slovakia is interested in getting a grant of over €178 million from the Connecting Facility for construction of the second part of the Presov bypass and the remaining R4 sections within the Via Carpatia Corridor.