- News
- Notifications
The Divača–Koper Second Track as an example of responsible management of large-scale investments
The Divača–Koper Second Track as an example of responsible management of large-scale investments
The Chamber of Engineers of Slovenia traditionally organises Slovenian Engineering Day, the central professional meeting of the Slovenian engineering profession. The event also took place this year with a clear aim to strengthen professionalism, responsibility, and quality in practice—where buildings, infrastructure, and systems that define quality of life are created. Each year, the conference attracts more than 1,000 participants and distinguished lecturers who, with their experience and practices, help shape the development of the engineering profession in Slovenia. This year’s central theme was: “How to implement construction investments responsibly and with quality.” The meeting is usually held on 4 March, when World and Slovenian Engineering Day are celebrated.
At the professional conference, the CEO of 2TDK, Marko Brezigar, presented the progress and challenges of the Second Track Divača–Koper project and emphasised the importance of responsible management of complex investments.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the project for Slovenia and the wider region. The Second Track strengthens the competitiveness of the Port of Koper and Slovenian logistics. At the same time, it will significantly contribute to relieving road traffic and reducing environmental impacts, bringing long-term economic and sustainability benefits.
Engineering achievements and challenging geological conditions
Brezigar pointed out that just yesterday the entire distance from Divača to Koper was fully connected with track, while also stressing that the project itself represents a major engineering challenge.
During construction, complex karst phenomena were encountered, including the discovery of caves and large spans in tunnels, some exceeding 15 metres, with the largest ranging between 25 and 46 metres. Due to these conditions, special bridge-like or arch structures had to be designed within the tunnels to span these openings while simultaneously supporting both the tunnel structure and the railway line. According to Brezigar, such solutions have virtually no comparable precedent in conventional railway tunnel construction worldwide, making close cooperation between designers, engineers, contractors, and the client essential.
A particular challenge is also the slope instability in the Glinščica Valley, where the entire hillside is gradually sliding. Approximately 350 cubic metres of soil are moving at a rate of about one millimetre per month. For this reason, a crisis expert group was formed, including designers, engineers, representatives of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, and the Geological Survey of Slovenia. This group identified the causes of the ground movement and defined appropriate remediation measures, which are still to be implemented.
Strict environmental protection
Significant emphasis is placed on environmental protection within the project. Treatment plants and noise barriers have been installed along the route, and construction impacts are continuously monitored through seven different monitoring systems. Noise, air quality, and water conditions are measured daily. Continuous environmental supervision is also in place; if threshold values are exceeded, immediate action and remediation measures are taken.
A European best practice example
According to Brezigar, the Second Track project is also recognised internationally as a best practice example. 2TDK is invited abroad to share its experience, most recently by representatives from France. The European Investment Bank also recommends that various investors across Europe connect with 2TDK to exchange experience.
The project has received €101 million more in non-repayable EU funding than initially expected and, according to the CEO, will be completed within the planned investment value. Both the CINEA audit and the European Court of Auditors review were completed with positive feedback, further confirming the adequacy of project management.
Brezigar also emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer, as contractors and experts regularly present their experience at professional conferences, thereby contributing to the development of both domestic and international construction practice.
