Slovakia has officially inaugurated its longest motorway tunnel, the Visnove Tunnel, with Prime Minister Robert Fico attending the opening ceremony by rollerblading through the 7.5 km-long structure. The tunnel’s completion marks a significant achievement for the country, following over three decades of planning and more than 10 years of construction.

The Visnove Tunnel is a key component of a new 13.5 km section of the D1 motorway, which is the oldest, longest, and busiest east-west road in Slovakia. This motorway spans most of the country’s territory and features multiple bridges, including those that cut through the Mala Fatra mountains. The new stretch of the motorway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce travel times by at least 15 minutes, providing relief to an old section of the D1 that is notoriously prone to accidents.

The project’s history dates back to the early 1990s, when it was first proposed in then-Czechoslovakia. Preparatory work began in 1998, and construction commenced in the late 2000s under the first Fico government. However, the project was halted by his successor, Mikulas Dzurinda, due to concerns over costs. The project was later revived but faced repeated delays, changes of contractors, and missed deadlines.

Prime Minister Fico has hailed the tunnel’s opening as a major accomplishment, acknowledging the challenges and setbacks that the project faced. The Visnove Tunnel’s completion is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing the safety and efficiency of the D1 motorway. With the new tunnel now in operation, Slovakia can look forward to improved traffic flow and reduced travel times, contributing to the country’s economic and social development.