Accident on coastal highway blocks traffic

A major accident on the coastal motorway has caused traffic disruptions across several key routes in Slovenia. According to the national road information center, the incident occurred near the Fernetiči exit leading towards Italy, resulting in congestion extending over two kilometers in both directions. The disruption affects the Dragonja-Koper highway, where traffic was temporarily managed in one direction due to vehicle breakdowns, creating delays in both directions. The situation extends beyond the coastal route, with similar issues reported on other highways. On the Goriska motorway, there is a three-kilometer backlog before the Karavanke tunnel heading toward Austria. The entrance to Jesenice westbound towards the Karavankska pass is closed, while the alternative route through Jesenice eastbound to Lipca is open only for local traffic. On the Styrian motorway, there is a delay between Dramljane and Slovenske Konjice, with the Pletovarje tunnel occasionally closed for safety reasons. In the Vipava region, the fast road between Vipava and Selov is fully blocked in both directions until Monday at approximately 5 p.m. On the Goriska motorway, the Brnik junction will remain closed in both directions until Sunday at 6 p.m. The road between Ravne and Dravograd is also closed, with access limited to Dobrije until 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the route through Zagorje-Most via Sava is closed until August 30, requiring drivers to take an alternate path through Bevško. The Vršič pass, which connects Italy and Slovenia, will experience complete closure from Monday morning at 4 a.m. until Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. This is part of ongoing maintenance work on the critical mountain crossing. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on heavy goods vehicles, limiting their movement between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on certain roads, including some sections of the coastal motorways between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. These measures aim to reduce the risk of further incidents during peak travel times. Authorities have advised drivers to plan their journeys carefully, considering the current conditions and potential detours. The affected areas include multiple motorways and regional roads, highlighting the widespread impact of the initial accident. Emergency services are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that any necessary adjustments to traffic management can be made swiftly. As of now, no injuries have been reported in connection with the accident, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Road officials continue to assess the situation and provide updates as new developments arise. Drivers are encouraged to check real-time traffic reports and adjust their travel plans accordingly. The temporary closures and restrictions underscore the complexity of managing traffic flow during such disruptions, particularly in a country with a dense network of highways connecting different regions.