Today, the 4th professional conference of the company 2TDK, titled “Geological Challenges and Preparations for the Construction of the Left Parallel Track,” where we discussed some of the current technical and geological challenges in the construction of the second track between Divača and Koper, and we also spoke about future plans and the continuation of the project.
In her opening remarks at the conference, Infrastructure Minister Alenka Bratušek emphasized, among other things, that the second-track project extends beyond a single generation. “It is the backbone of the Slovenian railway system and a strategic link in the European TEN-T transport network. With the second track, we are not merely building a railway line, but strengthening connections that will link Slovenia even more closely to European economic flows,” the minister emphasized, among other things.
Matej Oset, CEO of 2TDK, and Director Marko Brezigar also spoke about the project’s significance for the economy. Among other things, they emphasized that the second track is a European project, strategic for both Slovenia and the wider region, which also enjoys strong support from the European Union. It is noteworthy that the project has successfully secured 390 million euros in non-repayable European funds to date—a full 100 million euros more than we had expected.
The speakers, including Tilen Urbančič, Janko Logar, Laura Vovčko, Peter Jemec, Alenka Dervarič, and Nina Kolenc, addressed today the extremely important topics we face on a daily basis in this project. The geological challenges in the Glinščica Valley demonstrate that natural forces have their own laws, which require a deep understanding and a respectful approach. Recent severe weather events have also shown us that environmental constraints must be taken into account in our planning and work. Tilen Urbančič, Technical Director of Geotočka, spoke about geodetic monitoring in the Glinščica Valley, explaining how precise measurements allow us to detect movements and deformations, how this information influences further construction measures, and what the results and findings of the geodetic monitoring are.
Even during the construction of the viaduct, it became clear that the narrow Glinščica Valley presented numerous spatial and environmental challenges. Landslides in this valley further underscored how crucial it is to continuously monitor the situation to ensure the long-term stability of the new railway line. Many colleagues collaborated in finding solutions for the landslide area in the Glinščica Valley, but the details were highlighted by Dr. Janko Logar from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy.
External quality control on the Second Track project was presented by Laura Vovčko from the Slovenian Institute of Civil Engineering. In her presentation, she discussed the complexity of inspecting incoming materials, concrete, and earthworks, the importance of material traceability, and compliance with legislation. She also emphasized the crucial role of a professionally qualified team in helping to ensure the highest standards of quality in construction.
Karst phenomena and the challenges they pose represent a unique interplay of natural heritage and engineering ingenuity, where every step requires meticulous planning. In a presentation by Peter Jemec, partner and deputy head of the Tunnels and Geotechnics Department at Elea iC, he discussed how to design and construct underground bridges using advanced research, geophysical methods, and engineering ingenuity. These are unique structures designed to span large cavern structures in the T2 tunnel.
The final series of lectures focused on preparations for double-tracking, financial aspects, project documentation, and a presentation of the left-hand parallel track project. These steps will be crucial for the further development of the railway infrastructure and the overall efficiency of transportation in the region. Alenka Dervarič, project manager for the left-hand parallel track at 2TDK, emphasized that the full double-tracking project is not merely a technical upgrade of the existing right-hand track, but represents a strategic addition to the national and European transport network. It involves complex engineering solutions, extensive spatial coordination, and responses to numerous environmental and safety challenges.
Nina Kolenc, Head of the Finance and Accounting Department at 2TDK, presented the financial aspects of the left-hand parallel track project, highlighting key financial challenges, opportunities, and strategies for effective cost and resource management throughout the project’s entire lifecycle.
