The construction of a section of the expressway between Velenje and Slovenj Gradec, known as the Third Development Axis North, involves the development of an expressway that will significantly enhance traffic connectivity between these two cities. The Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Development and European Cohesion Policy approved co-financing for the project titled “Preparation of Documentation for the Construction of the Expressway for the 2nd Section of the Third Development Axis North from the Velenje Jug Junction to the Slovenj Gradec Jug Junction.” The project, with an investment value of €16.77 million, will receive co-financing of just under €11 million from the European Regional Development Fund.
Institut IGH, d.d. was selected to provide supervision services for the preparation of project documentation required for obtaining a building permit (DGD) and execution project documentation (PZI) for the construction of the new expressway, Section Velenje Jug – Slovenj Gradec, Segment B (Škalsko Lake), with a total length of 17.2 km.
Segment B (Škalsko Lake) represents a modification of the existing traffic configuration by bringing the Velenje-Škale road closer to Škalsko Lake. It includes plans for additional roundabouts, deviations, and an expressway with associated connections and a viaduct. Deviation 1-21 represents a new route for the existing regional road Velenje-Škale, with a length of 941.68 meters, while Deviation 1-21a represents a new route for the existing , with a length of 876.10 meters. The Škalsko Lake Viaduct is 105.00 meters long and 23.00 meters wide. It will be constructed as a prestressed concrete monolithic structure. The bridge structure will be built on two supports and four intermediate piers, founded on piles 150 cm in diameter and 22 to 25 meters long.
This expressway plays a key role in improving Slovenia's transport infrastructure, enabling better connectivity between centers of international, national, and regional importance. It will also contribute to the economic development of the Savinja-Šalek region, which is currently undergoing restructuring following the decline of coal industry activities. Additionally, the construction will enhance road safety and reduce travel time for users, facilitating daily mobility for citizens and the transport of goods.
