After three months of traffic disruptions on the Styrian motorway between Dramlje and Slovenske Konjice, conditions are finally returning to normal. According to reports from Dnevnik, Dars has completed the repair work, with the current traffic restrictions set to end by August 31. The motorway will reopen fully in both directions, with two lanes per direction, by September 1. This marks the end of prolonged congestion that had affected drivers traveling between Maribor and Ljubljana. The project, which began on June 8, is entering its final phase. Most of the construction work on the route, including bridges and tunnels, has already been completed. Current efforts focus primarily on concluding tasks such as installing traffic equipment, finishing electrical installations, and setting up tunnel systems. By the end of August, all necessary measurements and basic tests for safe reopening should be completed. Initially, traffic in the direction toward Ljubljana will be limited to 60 kilometers per hour due to the low safety barrier still present, which separates the main lane from the overtaking lane and allows for necessary rerouting. Travel times have increased significantly during this period, particularly during peak hours. Drivers have experienced delays ranging from 15 to 45 minutes. Dars has warned that there might still be occasional closures in late September due to testing and final works. However, these will occur mainly on weekends when traffic is lighter. Despite the progress, some sections of the motorway remain under temporary closure. From September 7 to November 15, approximately 3.2 kilometers of the route between the Slovenska Bistrica South junction and the Devina viaduct will be closed for further repairs. In addition to roadworks, Dars has announced plans to implement speed monitoring using section-based measurement systems starting in September. These systems will be installed at several key locations, including near the Trojan tunnels heading towards Maribor, along the highland slope towards Nova Gorica, between the Ljubljana Brod and Vodice exits heading toward Kranj, and between the Logatec and Vrhnika exits heading toward Ljubljana. Unlike traditional speed cameras, these systems will measure average speeds over entire segments rather than just at specific points. Their purpose is to reduce speeds and improve road safety, not to issue fines. The system’s implementation was delayed partly because the official metrology office took longer than expected to issue the required certification for the measuring device. The contractor, Intermatic, selected through a tender process, has faced penalties for the delay. Under the contract, Intermatic faces a daily fine of €1,059 until the total penalty does not exceed 10% of the contract value, which was originally valued at €530,000 including VAT. Whether these penalties will be enforced remains unclear, though the final settlement will be made after the system is handed over. The project's cost has also risen slightly. Originally estimated at €61.6 million before tax in May, the total now exceeds €64 million. Additional costs arose from unforeseen site conditions and adjustments to individual project solutions. These changes were included in an annex signed in June, increasing the value of the work by around €2.4 million excluding VAT. The most severe delays occurred during morning and afternoon rush hours, causing travel times to increase significantly, especially for heavy vehicles. In cases of unexpected incidents, such as accidents, travel times could extend even further. After the summer traffic season concludes, work will continue on the remaining parts of the construction site.
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