Minister Raz Hopes Kosice R2 Bypass Section Will Open This Year

Valaliky/Bratislava, February 17 (TASR) - The construction of the Kosice-Saca-Kosicke Olsany R2 expressway section has progressed, and the entire stretch is likely to be completed and opened this year, Transport Minister Jozef Raz Jr. (a Smer-SD nominee) stated after inspecting the construction site on Monday. "We hope that motorists will drive on this beautiful stretch of highway for the first time as early as this year," the minister told journalists. The new 14-kilometre section will serve as part of Kosice's southeastern bypass and will connect the D1 highway with the R4 expressway. According to Raz, the new expressway is among the key investments in road infrastructure in eastern Slovakia. "I hope that the construction work will be completed within the deadline stipulated in the contract, which is late July," said Raz, adding that the granting of permits will be the next step. Financed by EU funds, the construction work should cost €132.6 million VAT-free. mf/df