Raz: D1 Stretch Including Visnove Tunnel Should Be Completed in Early 2026

Visnove, November 21 (TASR) - The D1 Lietavska Lucka-Dubna Skala motorway stretch, including the Visnove tunnel, should be completed in 2026, Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee) told a news conference following an inspection day at the Visnove tunnel on Thursday, adding that if no unpredictable circumstances occur, it might be ready in February. Raz noted that the construction of this motorway stretch comes under the ministry's constant supervision. "We visit the construction site practically every two weeks. The initial frustration at the construction site has significantly subsided, the mood is much better here and I am very pleased that it became possible to start laying concrete on the road," said the minister. The minister returned to considerations about an asphalt surface for the road, which could have speeded up construction. "With regards to the advanced stage of the whole process and the need to redesign it, this didn't turn out to be the right solution in terms of acceleration. A concrete surface has its positives, especially in terms of safety and durability, although only three of the 30 largest tunnels in Europe are concrete and the rest are asphalt," stated Raz. National Highway Company (NDS) director Filip Machacek called the laying of concrete on the road a significant milestone in the construction process. "I believe that all the concrete work will be completed in line with the work schedule in June of next year," he said. The Visnove tunnel will be 7.5-kilometres long and will be the longest tunnel in Slovakia. The entire D1 section between Lietavska Lucka and Dubna Skala, including the tunnel, will measure 13.5 kilometres. The section forms part of the planned motorway connection between Bratislava and Kosice. ko/df