On Thursday, 24 April 2025, the Society for Roads of North-East Slovenia conducted a professional excursion dedicated to the construction of the Third Development Axis. This infrastructure project, which will bring improved connectivity to north-eastern Slovenia, gave participants the opportunity to learn about the technical details, innovative solutions, and challenges that engineers and construction workers face in its implementation.
Excursion itinerary:
The day began early in the morning at 8:00, when a group of society members gathered in Maribor and set off by bus towards Velenje. The journey passed in a pleasant atmosphere full of anticipation and professional discussions about the significance of the Third Development Axis for the region.
At 9:00 we arrived in Velenje, where the first stop awaited us – a visit to the construction sites of sections B and H. Here, participants viewed the construction sites where work is under way on the Škale interchange. Work was being carried out on two viaducts and in a single-bore tunnel. Particularly impressive was the 2 km approach road to Konovo, which is already taking its final shape. At section D, which has already been completed, we visited the modern interchange at Gaberke, where an area for depositing excess excavated material near the Velenje Coal Mine has also been arranged. The site supervisors gave us a detailed explanation of the technical challenges, such as the geological peculiarities of the terrain and the logistics of coordinating the extensive works.
At 10:30 we set off towards Podgorje. At 11:00 we arrived at section F in Podgorje, which has been fully completed. Here, a fully operational 1.2 km expressway awaited us, equipped with the Podgorje interchange. Two well-designed viaducts and carefully executed retaining and supporting structures testified to the high level of engineering precision. Participants were impressed by the functional completeness of this section, which is already in service and bringing better connections to the region.
At 12:00 we gathered at the Rogina Mira inn in Podgorje, where a tasty lunch awaited us. The pleasant atmosphere over a good meal was an ideal opportunity for relaxed conversation and sharing impressions of what we had seen. At 14:00 we boarded the bus back towards Maribor, arriving at 15:30.
The excursion was an exceptional opportunity for an in-depth look at the construction of the Third Development Axis, which will make a significant contribution to the development of the region in the future. Participants praised the expert explanations and the opportunity for direct contact with one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in Slovenia. The Society for Roads of North-East Slovenia thanks all participants for their active involvement and invites them to follow upcoming events, which will continue to connect the professional community and promote the development of road infrastructure.