Vrtovec: Hochgeschwindigkeitsstraße zwischen Slovenj Gradce und Velenje bis spätestens Oktober 2029

The Supreme Court has intervened in the process of obtaining a construction permit for the first segment of the third development axis, which runs from Šentrupert to Velenje. This development, part of a larger infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity in northern Slovenia, had previously faced delays due to legal challenges. The intervention marks a new phase in the timeline of this ambitious highway expansion, with officials expressing concern over its impact on national strategic interests. Construction work on the northern section of the third development axis began in late 2024, following initial planning efforts that started around 2022. At that time, the former prime minister, Darsa Valentin Hajdinjak, announced plans to complete the Velenje, Slovenj Gradec segment by 2025 or 2026, while the Šentrupert, Velenje segment was projected to be finished by 2027. However, these timelines have since been revised, with the completion date for the Velenje, Slovenj Gradec segment now set for October 2029. The Šentrupert, Velenje segment, however, continues to face obstacles, particularly in securing the necessary construction permits. Minister Jernej Vrtovec, currently overseeing the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, recently visited the construction site near Prevalje to assess progress and meet with local mayors. He confirmed that the Supreme Court’s involvement in the Šentrupert, Velenje segment has slowed down the approval process. Despite this, he expressed confidence that construction could begin early next year, with completion expected within a “reasonable timeframe.” Vrtovec emphasized the importance of adhering to the national strategy, stating that the timely completion of the third development axis is crucial for regional economic growth and mobility. While the construction permit for the first segment, running north of the motorway, has yet to be issued, parallel preparations are underway. A tender for the selection of a contractor is already in progress, indicating that the government is preparing for immediate action once the legal hurdles are cleared. Vrtovec noted that although the legal process is taking longer than desired, the ministry will exert pressure on contractors to ensure that delays are minimized and that the project stays on track. The Koroška region, represented by Mayor Matica Tasič of Prevalje, has voiced concerns about the pace of developments. While acknowledging the progress made, Tasič pointed out that the current speed is insufficient to meet regional needs. He called for accelerated procedures related to land-use planning and the updating of the state spatial plan for the Dravograd, Holmec segment of the highway. The spatial plan for the Slovenj Gradec, Dravograd segment has already been approved, highlighting the disparity in the pace of approvals across different sections of the project. Vrtovec acknowledged the slow pace of land-use planning processes, describing them as overly burdensome and not aligned with the country's strategic infrastructure goals. He proposed revising the relevant legislation to better protect large-scale infrastructure projects from being hindered by individual claims. The minister also indicated that he would convene another meeting with the Minister for Environment and Spatial Planning, Polona Rifelj, in September to discuss further steps toward streamlining the approval process. In addition to addressing the Šentrupert, Velenje segment, Vrtovec highlighted broader concerns regarding the adequacy of the existing highway network. He noted that certain sections of the motorway are becoming increasingly inadequate to handle current traffic volumes. As a result, the ministry plans to submit a proposal to the State Holding Company and the company Dars to initiate the process of acquiring consent for the third lane along the entire route from Blagovice to Ljubljana. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity, especially towards the Dolenjska region and the Primorska area. The ongoing legal challenges and bureaucratic delays underscore the complexity of implementing such a major infrastructure project. With the Supreme Court's involvement, the path forward remains uncertain, but the government remains committed to completing the third development axis by 2029. The success of this endeavor will depend on resolving these legal and administrative issues swiftly, ensuring that the project aligns with both national priorities and regional demands.