Transport, Construction and Regional Development Minister Ján Počiatek on October 30 ceremonially launched the construction of the D3 motorway stretch between Svrčinovec and Skalité – in the Žilina Region. The 12.3-kilometre section is projected to be completed by mid-2016.
“The D3 highway is, just like the D1, our priority. This section is the most important in terms of a link with Poland,” said Počiatek, as quoted by the TASR newswire. He also said 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. Počiatek said that close to half of this section involves bridges or tunnels.
“This stretch is particularly difficult, because there will be 24 bridges and two tunnels on 12 kilometres,” he said. “It’s one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, highway stretch in Slovakia. So, perhaps it’s only natural that we should begin with this.”
National Highway Company (NDS) head Milan Gajdoš noted that the stretch will swallow up €330 million – to which EU funding and the state budget will chip in. “Slovakia will finally live to see a highway connection to Poland, our most important neighbouring country economy-wise,” said Gajdoš, adding that though the intensity of local transport does not reach the level of, for example, the Bratislava region, it has a big potential for the future.
The stretch is being built by a consortium of companies made up of Váhostav SK, Doprastav, Strabag and Metrostav.
(Source: TASR)
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
