Pilot drives for twin-tube 4.8 km Branisko and 2.185 km Ovoiarsko road tunnels under way, and site investigation in progress for 7.4 km Visonovo Martin tunnel, longest in country. May 1998.
On D1 highway from Bratislava to Jilina in north central region, first of two 4.8 km tubes has been completed and concrete lining is in progress using formworks. Four Atlas Copco Boomer 352s were employed in south tube, two in top headings and two on benches, for a full arched section of 96 sq m in granite with primary support of bolts and shotcrete. Original pilot drive retained for use as emergency escape route until north tube is driven, possibly in 2010. The 20-year plan for Slovakia shows a demand for 21 tunnels with a total length of 42.3 km. December 1999.
