By Monday, complete closure of the highway through Ribernic.

On Monday, full closure of the fast lane through Rebernice will begin as part of a major renovation project on the Vipava motorway. The second phase of this extensive renewal work is set to commence, leading to significant changes in traffic flow along a 12-kilometer stretch between the junctions of Nanos and Vipava. During this period, which is expected to last until mid-November, vehicles will only be allowed to travel in one direction—towards Italy—along this section of the motorway. In the opposite direction, from Vipava towards Razdrto, traffic for private cars and trucks within local areas will be directed onto an adjacent main road. The closure is part of broader infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency on the Vipava motorway, which has been heavily used despite recent declines in traffic volume. According to data from the Road Administration Service (DARS), traffic usage on the motorway has decreased by 6.7 percent over the past year, largely due to ongoing maintenance and renovation efforts. On average, approximately 20,000 vehicles use the motorway daily, including around 4,500 freight vehicles. Heavy weather conditions have also contributed to periodic restrictions, limiting traffic movement for about 20 days annually. During the 130-day closure, truck traffic transiting from Italy into Slovenia will be redirected via Fernetiče. Any vehicles attempting to cross the border at Vrtojba will be immediately diverted back to Italy by Slovenian police and DARS officials before being rerouted through the Fernetiče crossing. This measure aims to minimize disruption while ensuring safe passage for all road users. In addition to these closures, temporary measures such as wind barriers will be installed along the affected section of the motorway in the coming months. These barriers are designed to mitigate the impact of strong storms on traffic flow, particularly during the winter season when weather conditions can become more severe. Before the new traffic regime takes effect, the motorway between the Nanos junction and the Vipava exit will be completely closed in both directions from Saturday at 5 a.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. During this time, appropriate traffic signals will be placed to manage the transition smoothly. Officials from DARS and the Municipality of Vipava have emphasized that the current system of closures has proven effective, and they plan to implement similar strategies again. Local communities and residents have expressed satisfaction with the planned changes, noting that their suggestions were taken into account. For instance, traffic lights will be reinstated at two locations on the main road near Manče and Podrago, and a temporary roundabout near the exit from the motorway in Vipava will remain after the renovation is complete. A pedestrian crossing in Podnanos will also be properly organized to enhance safety for pedestrians. Residents from Lozice, who rely on bus services, will need to adjust their routines as well. Due to increased traffic during the renovation period, buses will be transported using trucks to the bus stop in Podnanos, avoiding potential delays caused by heavy congestion on the main road through Rebernice. The upcoming weeks will see continued coordination among DARS, local authorities, emergency services, and transport companies to ensure smooth implementation of the new traffic arrangements. Public awareness campaigns are also expected to accompany these changes, helping drivers and residents understand the new rules and how to navigate them effectively. As the summer season approaches, the combination of holiday travel and increased activity in neighboring countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands is likely to contribute to higher traffic volumes. This makes the timing of the renovations even more critical, as it allows for necessary upgrades without disrupting the peak travel periods. With careful planning and cooperation, the goal remains to maintain safety and reliability on one of Slovenia’s most important transportation routes.