Canceled important changes at the Višňové tunnel. Finally, everything will be different, when will it be opened?

The Višňové tunnel will be opened, but not gradually. Igor Chorma, the state secretary of the Ministry of Transport, explained that for the sake of safety, they finally decided on a concrete cover from the point of view of fire protection. According to Choma, this argument became decisive during the discussions with the fire brigades, which he told TA3 television. The potential dangers of the asphalt pavement in the tunnel caused professional debates, and different opinions were also published in the media. He argued in favor of asphalt that it could have resulted in time savings and an earlier opening date for the Višňové tunnel, but this did not prove to be a realistic scenario.

“The potential for time savings would not have outweighed the requirements to modify the project at an advanced stage. However, the National Highway Management Company is still trying to speed up this vital construction on a daily basis", assured Tomáš Ferenčák, the spokesperson of the highway management. The plans of the Ministry of Transport included - at least according to the ideas of Transport Minister Jozef Ráž - the earlier opening of one of the tunnels, even in the first half of 2025.

However, this does not materialize and they remain on the original schedule. The Višňové tunnel will be opened at the same time, and the Lietavská Lúčka - Dubná Skala section of the D1 highway will be operational in both directions. The expected handover date is the end of 2025, if no complications arise. At the same time, Igor Choma put an end to the speculations about this.