Vipava expressway awaits reconstruction

The oldest section between Vrtojba and Razdrto is almost 25 years old and in need of thorough renovation. The putting up of a wind fence is a priority, as it would enable traffic flow despite strong coastal winds. The construction of the first section of the expressway through the Vipava Valley started almost 25 years ago. Towards the end of the construction stage several temporary solutions were added to the expressway. It is now in need of thorough renovation and it all points in the direction that the Dars motorway company will start working on it next year. And as strong coastal winds often hinder traffic and cause economic damage, a roadside wind fence should be put up. The 41-kilometer-long road is the main link between the Goriška Brda region and central Slovenia. The mayor of Ajdovščina, Tadej Beočanin, therefore warned: "In cases when we have high speed winds, like the Bora wind, the expressway is the first that shuts down for all traffic. That brings our region's economy to a halt." Dars assures that the project documentation for acquiring a construction permit and its implementation is being prepared. Slovenia's motorway company expects to obtain all the needed consents and permits by the end of the year. While preparing all the project documentation, at the same time the company is also drawing up an investment program. According to Dars, the draft documents are waiting to be confirmed and all the activities are planned to be completed by the end of this year. Renovations works on the expressway are to begin next year. According to Dars's plans additional wind fences will first be erected in the flat area of the expressway. Next in line for protection will be the expressway’s auxiliary facilities and the Rebernice slope. Funding for the work will be secured with next year's business plan. Dars assures that the expressway's road surface will also be thoroughly renovated next year, if there are no complications with the open call for contractors.