Ljubljana, 13 November 2013 – Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, acting as the Managing Authority for EU structural funds and the Cohesion Fund, issued a decision awarding EU funds for the construction of the Ilirska Bistrica bypass. The project will ensure the adequate capacity of the existing road network and reduce transit traffic through the built-up area which will enhance traffic flow capacity. The project, worth 16.5 million euros, will be co-financed under the European Cohesion Fund in the amount of 12 million euros.
The construction of the Ilirska Bistrica bypass is implemented in two phases. The first phase includes the construction of a roundabout, a bridge, the retaining walls and a supporting wall, construction of a rainwater sewerage system, protection of the pipeline, relocation and protection of the water distribution system, implementation of public lighting, relocation of electricity lines, the reconstruction of a road and the settlement of three access roads. The second phase includes the implementation of a detour road, deviation of a field path as well as the construction of three intersections, an underpass, an underpass for pedestrians, three bridging structures, support structures, corridor for pedestrians, two pumping stations, public lighting, passive noise barrier, relocation of TK, SN and NN lines, arrangement of connectors, horizontal and vertical signalisation and abolishment of one and arrangement of two level crossings.
The investment will result in more steady driving and more fluent traffic which will reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The investment will also mitigate jolting which arises from heavy vehicles and which destroys the facilities in the direct vicinity of the road. All the heavy transit freight transport will be redirected from the centre of Ilirska Bistrica to the detour road. The construction of the bypass will result also in the lowering of costs of road use and increase the speed of travel.
The Slovenian Roads Agency, which is responsible for the implementation of the project, can provide more information.