Slovakia's Long-Awaited Višňové Tunnel to Close for Two Weeks for Spring Maintenance

The Višňové tunnel, part of Slovakia's D1 highway, will close for two weeks starting Monday for spring maintenance, just four months after its ceremonial opening. The tunnel, which connects the Lietavská Lúčka and Dubná sections of the D1 highway, was awaited by drivers for 25 years before finally opening. The National Highway Company (NDS), Slovakia's state road infrastructure operator, says the two-week closure is appropriate given the tunnel's length. However, experience from Austria suggests such maintenance could be completed faster and with fewer traffic restrictions. The closure will significantly impact traffic on one of Slovakia's main highway arteries.