Glass night work at the station, the Garden now expects it elsewhere

The start of night shifts at the Postojna motorway construction site has marked a significant shift in infrastructure work practices in Slovenia. On June 8, 2026, the first night operations began at the site, as confirmed by Marko Vihtelič from the company Kolektor during a visit by Infrastructure and Energy Minister Jernej Vrtovec. These night shifts were made possible by relocating approximately 30 workers from other sites, allowing for the organization of a full night shift schedule. According to Vihtelič, this phase of intensified night work will gradually increase over time, though not all tasks can be performed overnight due to logistical constraints.

The introduction of night shifts was not entirely unexpected. The possibility had been included in the contract from the outset, meaning additional annexes would not be required. However, the project is expected to incur some cost increases, although precise figures have yet to be determined. Vihtelič emphasized that the primary goal remains completing the work safely, to high standards, and before the contractual deadline. He also noted that these night shifts were planned from the beginning, even without the minister’s direct call to action.

Minister Vrtovec highlighted the necessity of night work to expedite the completion of the project and reduce traffic disruptions on highways. He urged contractors to implement similar measures at other locations such as Domžale, Štajerska, Slovenske Konjice, and Kozina. Additionally, he expressed expectations for minimizing the duration of closures at the Postojna junction heading towards Ljubljana, particularly during peak summer tourist season. With increasingly mild winters, the ministry is also considering the feasibility of conducting some work during winter months, despite noise regulations that could still allow for optimization.

The decision to initiate night work comes amid broader discussions about infrastructure management. Earlier in May, the head of Dars, Andrej Ribič, had mentioned difficulties in securing even one shift of workers, let alone two or night shifts. This highlights ongoing challenges in workforce availability and scheduling within the sector. Previously, Alenka Bratušek, Vrtovec's predecessor, had faced resistance from industry professionals against implementing night work or using deadlines as criteria for contractor selection.

The move to introduce night shifts reflects a strategic approach aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing delays. Minister Vrtovec argued that the higher costs associated with night work—approximately 50% more expensive—are justified by the reduced impact on traffic flow, logistics issues, and potential safety risks. He emphasized that for contractors to remain competitive, they must be willing to adapt their working hours accordingly.

In addition to the developments at Postojna, there are concerns regarding the implementation of new traffic regimes at the Vršič pass. Reports indicate that parking spaces previously available at the summit of the pass will not be accessible during the 2026 tourist season. This follows incomplete construction work, which has raised questions about the readiness of the area for the upcoming season. Despite assurances about the introduction of a free bus service between Bovec and Kranjska Gora, uncertainties remain regarding its financing, agreements with operators, and integration with existing seasonal routes. Concerns have also been raised about the effectiveness of newly installed barriers, which appear to hinder rather than facilitate traffic flow.

These developments underscore the complex interplay between infrastructure planning, public expectations, and operational realities. As the government continues to push for improvements in transportation networks, balancing efficiency with practical constraints and community needs remains a critical challenge. The situation at both Postojna and Vršič illustrates the broader narrative of evolving infrastructure strategies in response to changing demands and environmental considerations.