Inauguration of the Vinjan Viaduct: A Significant Milestone in Slovenia's Divača-Koper Second Track Project

This project, co-financed by the EU, is revolutionising Slovenia's railway system and contributing to the sustainable and efficient transport network across Europe.

The Vinjan Viaduct

The Vinjan viaduct, the longest of the three viaducts in the Divača-Koper project, stands as a testament to engineering prowess and determination. Constructed in the challenging terrain of the hilly Karst region, the viaduct spans 620 meters with pillars rising up to 55 meters in height. The construction process, which began in March 2022 and completed in December 2023, involved significant technical challenges, including digging 40 meters into the ground to reach the bearing part of the Karst soil. The viaduct was co-financed in the 2014-2020 period with EUR 80 million.

Project Progress

The inauguration of the Vinjan viaduct is a significant step forward in the Divača-Koper second track project. This project increases the capacity of Slovenia's railway system, allowing for an increase in the number of trains from the current 90 per day to 231, and enhancing the volume of goods transported from 14 million tons to 43 million tons per year. The project is also set to reduce travel times by more than 20 minutes and enable trains to increase their speed by almost a 100 km/h.

Funding

The project boasts a unique blend of financing sources, including national funds, Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grants, an EIB loan, Cohesion Policy grants, and a commercial bank loan, with an overall budget of over EUR 1 billion. The construction of the Vinjan viaduct alone received EUR 80 million in co-financing in the 2014-2020 CP period.

Impact

The Divača-Koper second track project is a shining example of European unity and cooperation in action. It will have a significant impact on Slovenia's transport sector, contributing to more efficient, faster, and greener transport. The project is expected to be a major boost for the port of Koper, Slovenia’s maritime hub to and from the Adriatic.