THE GOVERNMENT launched the construction on what will be one of the most demanding roads ever built in Slovakia, with numerous bridges and tunnels needed within a dozen kilometres.
Transport Minister Ján Počiatek ceremonially launched the construction of the D3 highway stretch in the north of Slovakia, between Svrčinovec and Skalité in Žilina Region on October 30. The construction was launched in Skalité, the TASR newswire reported.
The 12.3 kilometre section is projected for completion by mid-2016.
“The D3 highway is, just like the D1 motorway, our priority,” Počiatek said, as quoted by TASR. “This section is the most important in terms of a link with Poland.“
Počiatek stressed that the government is sticking to its commitment to make sure that the construction work on all D3 sections will begin by the end of its term in 2016.
The project is particularly difficult since almost half of the section involves bridges or tunnels. There will be 24 bridges and two tunnels.
“It’s one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, highway stretch in Slovakia,” Počiatek said.
The National Highway Company (NDS) chief Milan Gajdoš noted that the stretch will swallow up €330 million – to which EU funding and the state budget will chip in.
“Here’s hoping that Slovakia will finally live to see a highway connection to Poland, our most important neighbouring country economy-wise,” said Gajdoš.
The stretch is being built by a consortium of companies made up of Váhostav SK, Doprastav, Strabag and Metrostav.
