By ashleykaren
NDS, Slovakia’s national motorway operator, claims it is now considering the proposals to supply IT systems and equipment for the 7.5 km-long twin-tube Višňové Tunnel.
Last August, it declared that there would be a tender for what it claimed would probably be a €71.5 million contract. As reported, the bidding was opened on March 2.
In addition, the contract contains IT equipment for the D1 motorway stretch Lietavska Lucka – Visnove – Dubna Skala of which the tunnel is a part. Nonetheless, the tunnel project has faced delays, technical and contractual. As stated, drainage problems have been emerging because of construction stoppages.
It is also part of the Corridor 5 of the Trans-European Networks (TEN) which connects Bratislava with Uzhhorod in Ukraine. The Slovakian government and the European Union are financing the project through the European Investment Bank.
Skanska, the Swedish contractor, took over the work from the original contractor, the Italian-Slovak consortium of Salini Impregilo – now Webuild – and Dúha, in early 2021.
The claimed €255 million contract was for a 13.4km stretch of the D1 highway between Lietavská Lúčka and Dubná Skala in northern Slovakia, comprising the 7.5km twin-tube Višňové Tunnel.
The work on the tunnel began in June 2015. The completion is anticipated to be in December 2023, and once the Višňové Tunnel opens, it is set to be the country’s longest tunnel.
