The Višňové tunnel will be opened, but not gradually. Igor Chorma, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, explained that for safety reasons, they ultimately decided on a concrete pavement for fire protection. According to Chorma, this argument became decisive during discussions with the fire departments, as he stated to TA3 television. The potential dangers of asphalt pavement in the tunnel sparked professional debates, and various opinions were also made public in the media. Although asphalt could have resulted in time savings and an earlier opening date for the Višňové tunnel, this did not prove to be a realistic scenario.
"The potential for time savings would not have offset the requirements to modify the project at an advanced stage. However, the National Motorway Company continues to strive on a daily basis to accelerate this vital construction," assured Tomáš Ferenčák, the spokesperson for the motorway managers. The Ministry of Transport's plans included - at least according to Transport Minister Jozef Ráž's expectations - the earlier opening of one tunnel lane, possibly as soon as the first half of 2025.
However, this will not happen, and they will stick to the original schedule. The Višňové tunnel will open all at once, and the D1 motorway section from Lietavská Lúčka to Dubná Skala will be operational in both directions. The expected handover date is the end of 2025, provided no complications arise. Igor Choma has also put an end to speculations regarding this.
