Third development axis

The Regional Development Agency for Koroško has prepared an overview of the current status of activities on the northern part of the 3rd development axis project. The analysis covers progress on the entire route from the motorway junction to the Holmec border crossing, which is divided into four sections.

The review shows that construction on the Velenje–Slovenj Gradec section is proceeding according to plan, with all construction sites open and work progressing according to the planned timeline. However, activities on some other sections will need to be accelerated to avoid further delays.

The Slovenj Gradec–Dravograd section requires special attention, while the Dravograd–Holmec section has been waiting for a long time for the preparation of a draft national spatial plan, which will serve as the basis for a public debate. After the public debate is completed, the procedure for adopting the national spatial plan will follow. According to current estimates, this could be completed next year at the earliest. This would mean the adoption of all national spatial plans for the northern part of the 3rd development axis, which represents an important milestone and a key basis for continuing the project.

Several challenges remain on the section between Velenje and the motorway junction, where procedures are progressing more slowly than planned due to land and building permits not yet acquired. As a result, a delay in the completion of this part of the project is expected, which means that the traffic connection Koroške with the motorway network and thus the faster connection to Ljubljana will be implemented later than originally planned.

Who is the project intended for?

• To the residents of Koroške and the wider region.
• Employees and daily migrants.
• To the economy and businesses.
• Investors and potential new businesses.
• Visitors and tourists.
• Local communities and municipalities.
• To future generations.

Project benefits:

• Better transport connections Koroške.
• Shortening travel times and connecting residents, businesses and visitors to the region more quickly and efficiently.
• Greater competitiveness of the economy, as improved accessibility will create better conditions for business development, investments and new jobs.
• Increasing the attractiveness of the region for residents, businesses and potential investors.
• Improving traffic safety by relieving congestion on existing roads and providing more modern traffic infrastructure.
• Higher quality of life for residents due to easier access to jobs, education, health and other services.
• Better connecting Carinthian municipalities and strengthening cooperation with other parts of Slovenia.
• Promoting sustainable regional development and creating conditions for long-term development Koroške.
• Connecting the region with national and European traffic flows, which strengthens its development potential.