Raz: Second Branisko Tunnel Tube Needed

Presov, May 16 (TASR) - A second tube is needed for the Branisko tunnel, stated Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee) on Friday, adding that this is among the priorities of the National Highway Company (NDS), which has already prepared a feasibility study for a second profile. The minister posted on a social network that this is currently being assessed by the Value for Money Unit. "There are 17,500 vehicles a day at the moment, which is a lot for a two-lane road, and of course that number is growing. By 2029 it will be over 20,000 cars, so we also need to have it so that we can close the first one once in a while, reconstruct it, repair it and so on," stated Raz. The current tunnel tube is over 20 years old and requires maintenance. "The roadway needs to be reconstructed and, of course, all the upgrades and repairs are carried out when the road is in operation. Of course, this requires traffic restrictions," added the Transport Ministry head. The feasibility study addresses seven options, while the final one hasn't yet been selected, he said. "Option 5 is recommended, which should cost roughly €350 million. According to experts, it's the one that will make it easiest for people to escape safely from the now open tube in the event of a crisis," said Raz. am/df