The new Ružomberok motorway bypass opened to traffic on 5 October 2026. The nearly 15-kilometre section of the D1 motorway will improve connections between western and eastern Slovakia and relieve the town of through traffic. Construction involved challenging geological conditions and was co-financed by the European Union.
The Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic and the National Motorway Company opened the D1 section between Hubová and Ivachnová, which includes the 3.6-kilometre Čebrať Tunnel and three motorway interchanges. At Ivachnová, the new section connects seamlessly to the existing motorway in the Liptov region, marking another step towards completing the motorway connection between Bratislava and Košice.
Smoother traffic and relief for Ružomberok
The main benefit of the new section is the diversion of through traffic away from Ružomberok. The bypass is expected to reduce congestion, noise and road traffic emissions in the town, while making journeys safer and smoother.
Analyses indicate an expected journey time saving of up to 16 minutes. During peak traffic periods, savings could reach several tens of minutes. Drivers can use the Ružomberok bypass without a motorway vignette.
Geological conditions as a major project challenge
Construction of the section involved complex geological conditions. A landslide-prone area near Likavka presented a particular challenge, requiring measures to ensure ground stability and the structural safety of the bridge.
According to the National Motorway Company, monitoring of the affected areas will continue following the opening of the motorway. The project highlights the importance of managing geotechnical risks in major transport infrastructure projects and the need for continued monitoring during operation.
European co-financing
The European Union contributed almost EUR 70 million towards the construction of the Ružomberok bypass. The new section provides a tangible example of how European funding supports transport infrastructure development and delivers benefits for residents and road users.
The opening of the D1 Hubová–Ivachnová section marks a significant milestone in the development of Slovakia’s motorway network.
