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Major construction work on the section from Črni Kal to Koper has been completed!
Major construction work on the section from Črni Kal to Koper has been completed!
Major construction work has been completed on Lot 2—five tunnels, two viaducts, and the open-cut section in this area have been finished, marking a key milestone in the construction of a modern double-track railway line from Divača to Koper. On the section from Črni Kal to Koper, railway works (Lot 3) are already proceeding at an accelerated pace, encompassing track laying, installation of electrical equipment, and the construction of supporting infrastructure. The simultaneous execution of construction and railway works enables faster progress on the project. Following the completion of the main construction works on Lot 2, contractors for Lot 3 will now take over the works in full.
The contract for the main construction works on Section 2: Črni Kal–Koper was signed on March 31, 2021, with the selected contractor, a consortium comprising Kolektor CPG, Yapı Merkezi, and Özaltin. Section 2 comprises complex civil engineering structures, including tunnels and viaducts. It was constructed in flysch rock and includes two viaducts, Vinjan and Gabrovica, with a total length of 1,040 meters, five tunnels, and a short section of open-cut road. All tunnels were constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM); tunnel excavation began in September 2021, followed by the installation of the inner lining, which was carried out in 12-meter-long segments, giving the tunnel a uniform appearance and smooth surface. On Section 2, 11.6 km of tunnel tubes were constructed; the Škofije Tunnel (T8) features a service tube in addition to the main tube.
From 2021 to the present, this section has faced numerous challenges: from the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the start of construction, to shifting geopolitical conditions that have impacted the construction industry and led to rising prices for construction materials, raw materials, and energy. Despite all the changes that have occurred over the five years of construction, the Second Track project remains within the financial framework defined in the investment program (NIP2) and outlined at the start of the project.
Matej Oset, CEO of 2TDK, said on the occasion of this milestone: “The completion of Lot 2 is significant proof that even the most demanding infrastructure projects can be managed successfully if there is a clear vision, professionalism, and good cooperation among all stakeholders. The continuation of the work will focus on completing the railway infrastructure. The goal remains clear—to launch the second track in 2026, as originally planned.”
Marko Brezigar, director of 2TDK, adds: “Thanks to the timely completion of both viaducts and the longest tunnel on this section, we successfully secured 80 million euros in non-repayable European Cohesion Fund grants as early as the beginning of 2024. Today’s achievement is proof that we are up to even the most demanding engineering challenges, but it remains crucial that we consistently ensure high-quality execution, workplace safety, and transparent project management for this project, which is of strategic importance for Slovenia and the wider region.”
The completion of the main construction works on Lot 2 marks a significant step toward the completion of the entire second-track project, which will substantially improve the rail connection between the country’s interior and the coast and contribute to greater efficiency and capacity of the Slovenian logistics system.
